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On Sunday, the Toronto Blue Jays drafted Purvis High’s JoJo Parker with the No. 8 overall pick, hoping his high school dominance translates to Major League success. Parker’s selection is a milestone for both him and his school, being the highest-ever draft pick from Purvis.
He finished this past season with a .489 batting average, along with 13 homers, 64 runs, and 35 RBIs. His speed (30 stolen bases) was instrumental in the state championship run for the Tornadoes.
Parker also served as ace pitcher, posting an 8-2 record with a 2.77 ERA and 89 strikeouts in just over 55 innings.
Although committed to play collegiately at Mississippi State, Parker will now decide if he’ll join the Blue Jays’ talented farm system.