Parra Announced to Final Roster for World Baseball Classic
Published on February 26, 2009 under Southern League (SL1)
Mobile BayBears News Release
MOBILE, Ala. - One of the top prospects in the Arizona Diamondbacks' farm system who made a big splash in a BayBears' uniform last season, Gerardo Parra has been selected to play for Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Parra burst onto the scene at Single-A South Bend after being signed out of Venezuela in 2004. With the Silver Hawks, Parra led the Midwest League with a .320 average while swiping 24 bases. Blessed with a terrific arm, Parra also was among the league leaders in outfield assists with 10.
Heading into 2008, Parra had already begun to be noticed as one of the top players in the Diamondbacks' farm system, rated as the fifth-best prospect by Baseball America. Parra didn't disappoint while starting the season at Single-A Visalia where he netted a .301 average to go with 12 steals and a .381 on-base percentage.
After two months in the California League, it was time to see where Parra stood at the next level. After a call-up to the Double-A BayBears, Parra added another 16 stolen bases to his totals while slamming a .275 average. He also stroked six triples, giving him 10 three-base hits for the 2008 campaign.
Known for his blazing speed, Parra not only accumulated a bevy of triples and steals, but he also smacked an inside-the-park home run on June 27 against Montgomery. During the off-season, Parra suited up for his hometown of Zulia in the Venezuelan Winter League and hit a robust .329 with seven dingers. He also led the league with 20 two-base hits.
Last month, Parra was named to the provisional roster for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Now, he will join the likes of Magglio Ordonez and Bobby Abreu in the Venezuelan outfield when the WBC kicks off on March 5.
The Mobile BayBears are proud to host the Hank Aaron 75th Birthday Gala on Tuesday, April 7 at the Arthur Outlaw Convention Center. Tickets and tables are available by calling the BayBears at (251) 479-BEAR or by visiting www.mobilebaybears.com.
Southern League Stories from February 26, 2009
- Montgomery Biscuits National Anthem Auditions - Montgomery Biscuits
- Family Fun with Auburn and Alabama - Mobile BayBears
- Parra Announced to Final Roster for World Baseball Classic - Mobile BayBears
- Barons to Host National Anthem Auditions - Birmingham Barons
- Single-Game Smokies Tickets to Go On Sale March 4 - Knoxville Smokies
- Biscuits Hire Senior Sales Executive - Montgomery Biscuits
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