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Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb announced the signing of utility player Justin Parr to a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday.
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June 16, 2010
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb announced Wednesday the signing of infielder/outfielder Justin Parr, younger brother of current shortstop Josh Parr, to a National Letter of Intent. Justin Parr helped Parkland College to the NJCAA Division II World Series in the spring of 2010 and will have three years of eligibility remaining when he joins the Illini in August. It will mark the first time since Danny and Dusty Rhodes in 1998 that a pair of brothers have suited up for the Illini baseball team.
"Justin is a good athlete who will be able to play three infield positions or any outfield position for us," Illinois associate head coach Eric Snider said. "He's a left-handed hitter with a good approach who uses the whole field. He has good speed and will be a very valuable player for us. Justin is a heady player who knows the game, is competitive and is a hard worker."
Parr ranked third in batting average among regular players for Parkland in 2010, hitting .378 with 39 RBIs, two homers, 11 doubles, six triples and 43 runs scored while starting 52 games. He reached base at a .439 rate and slugged .535, drawing 22 walks and striking out only 18 times. He also stole 11-of-16 bases while seeing time in the outfield as well as at shortstop and second base.
"Justin is similar to Josh in that he's very athletic and can play multiple positions," Parkland head coach Matt Kennedy said. "He has great instincts for the game and will continue to get stronger and quicker. I'm confident that he'll make a smooth transition to the Division I level."
