Bobby Parnell to the Majors?

Heard today that the NY Mets are going to have to call up a pitcher to fill John Maine's spot (15 day DL) in the rotation for a start on September 2. Former East Rowan player Bobby Parnell is one of two players they are considering. The other is Jon Niese. Niese is the more likely candidate at this point.

Parnell played third base in high school and Legion, but what converted to a pitcher at Charleston Southern. He throws regularly in the 93-96 mph range and tops at 98 with a nasty slider.

 

Parnell

I've seen Bobby for a long time. You guys know that I don't say this too often, but it couldn't happen to a better kid and family. If not this time though, it will happen soon. He's been knocking on the door for a while now.

Here's a perfect story of a good athlete with a good arm converted into a pitcher, and since this point has gradually progressed to where he is now.

Good luck Bobby!

 

It's amazing how many young players are being converted to pitchers. I remember Matt Bush being the no.1 pick in the draft in 2004 as a ss. He is now a pitcher.

Good luck to Bobby Parnell. If Andro says he's a great kid from a fine family---I'll take that recommendation to the bank.

 

I think his dad is the fire chief in Salisbury, but I may be wrong. Bobby always played second fiddle to Cal Hayes, Nick Lefko, Julian Sides, Drew Davis in high school, but never expressed any displeasure. I saw him take infield and play a game at third base in high school and he had a rocket of an arm then. I ask his coach at the time if he ever was going to try him on the mound. He said he would like to, but he was afraid he would kill someone. He said he had no control. He seemed to suffer from lack of control at Charleston Southern as well, but someone in the Mets' system has done a great job.

 

Announced today that Bobby will be called up on September 9 and will pitch out of the bullpen.

 

Bobby even made an appearance on SportsCenter (maybe it was BBTN) last night even though he didn't pitch. They showed him on his way to the bullpen while carrying a pink bookbag, which I'm sure was his "Welcome to the Majors" moment from the vets.

 

Good read from Salisbury Post

http://www.salisburypost.com/Area/090308-Bobby-Parnell

 

For those who follow baseball in this area (East Rowan HS, Rowan County legion,,, and of course us on the opposing teams),,, this has truly been a great success story to watch unfold the past several years.

Continued best wishes to Bobby.