St. Louis Cardinals Birds Nest: Tommy Parsons against the odds

Following the 2018 First Year Player Draft, the St. Louis Cardinals signed a college arm by the name of Tommy Parsons.

Signing players after the draft is a standard practice around the league, but the background of Tommy Parsons makes this move special. The St. Louis Cardinals found themselves a pitcher right out of NCAA Division III baseball. Only a handful of players from that level actually make it to professional baseball, and Parsons is one of the lucky ones.

When deciding on a college, those who commit to pitch for a DIII school are not committing for a chance to make it to the next level. Parsons was no different when he decided to continue his baseball career at Adrian College in Michigan.

Parsons stepped on campus with a mid 80’s fastball and a dream that was nearly impossible. It was clear there was some growing to do from an on-field standpoint. He is listed at 6’4”, meaning he physically just needed to fill out his frame.

“Tommy from his freshman year on really committed himself to the weight room and his throwing program,” Adrian College Head Coach, Craig Rainey said. “He tried to continue to gain strength and weight to help his pitching velocity. Tommy is a tremendously hard worker and very dedicated to reaching his ultimate goal, which was playing professionally.”

Rainey saw all the hard work paying off around Parsons sophomore year. Coincidentally he was not the only one. During the summer following his second year, Parsons was pitching in the Northwoods League with some degree of success. That is when he thought that he may have a future after college.

During that 2016 stint playing for the Battle Creek Bombers, Parsons collected a record of 4-1 in eight starts, averaging a strikeout an inning. His best game, arguably, was win number four. He tossed six shutout innings, allowing just three hits.

As Parsons’ career at Adrian was coming to an end, teams were beginning to reach out to him. He was even mentioned in a Cespedes Family BBQ article as a potential draftee from Division III.

“I tried to stay calm and control my excitement about it, especially on the days of the draft,” Parsons said. “I went golfing a few times with my family to get my mind away.”

After three long days of anticipation, excitement, and some golf, the phone never rang. It was not long after when Parsons received a call from a scout covering the Michigan area. The St. Louis Cardinals were interested in signing him.

“I was relieved that someone had seen what I saw in him,” Rainey said. “It would have been a shame for someone like him to get passed by.

The dotted line was signed, and with it, a dream came true. Parsons is now a part of a very select group of former Division III athletes playing professional baseball.

“It feels special,” Parsons said. “I had a couple of guys reach out and congratulate me that are playing from DIII, so it all feels pretty special.”

During his first four games with the Johnson City Cardinals, Parsons came of the bullpen. He collected a win and added one save in two tries, while striking out five batters. Now, he is transitioning into a starting role. He is three starts in, showing improvements each time he toes the rubber.

Making the jump from college to the pros is not easy for Division I players, let alone Division III. Parsons’ focus has been on location. Really spotting up his pitches is how he is striving toward success in the professional ranks. That is something his former coach, Rainey, praised.

“He commands three pitches most nights with his best pitch being his change,” Rainey said. “He is able to locate and miss barrels. Tommy is not afraid to attack the strike zone and get hitters to get themselves out.”

Parsons now has 19.2 innings under his belt, and he is not taking any of it for granted. He is happy to be given this opportunity to live his dream.

“I think the Cardinals found a hidden gem,” Rainey said.

Time will tell.