University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Two Newcomers Named in D1Baseball Top 50 Impact JC Transfers Listing
1/4/2023 4:27:00 PM | Baseball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Two Southern Miss baseball players, Matthew Etzel and Tate Parker, were each named among the Top 50 impact junior college transfers Wednesday by D1Baseball.com.
Etzel (League City, Texas) earned the No. 1 overall spot in the ranking, while Tate Parker (Gulfport, Miss.) came in at No. 40.
Etzel played the last two seasons at Panola (Texas) College, where he compiled a .391 average with 11 home runs and 67 RBI over his two-year, 90-game career. He also added 36 stolen bases at Panola, while walking 46 times and fanning just 54. In his sophomore campaign last spring, Etzel averaged .433 with seven homers and 49 RBI with 20 stolen bases.
He then went to the MLB Draft League for collegiate players last summer, where he notched a .371 average with four homers, 22 RBI and 25 stolen bases.
D1Baseball.com described Etzel as 'the left-handed hitter combines power and pure hit ability in the batter's box with above average arm strength, plus speed and strong defense in the outfield.'
Parker joins the Golden Eagles from Pearl River Community College after putting together a pair of first-team NJCAA All-American seasons. Last year, Parker held a .450 average with 19 homers – fifth in the NJCAA – to go along with 11 doubles, three triples and 65 RBI.
As a freshman, Parker compiled a .386 batting average with 18 homers and, finishing fifth for the first time nationally in that category, driving in 65 runs with 21 walks and 10 stolen bases.
In his two years, Parker became the school's all-time home run hitter with 37.
The Golden Eagles open practice later this month and begin the 2023 season, Friday, Feb. 17, when they entertain Liberty in the first of a three-game set. Game time is set for 4 p.m.
Etzel (League City, Texas) earned the No. 1 overall spot in the ranking, while Tate Parker (Gulfport, Miss.) came in at No. 40.
Etzel played the last two seasons at Panola (Texas) College, where he compiled a .391 average with 11 home runs and 67 RBI over his two-year, 90-game career. He also added 36 stolen bases at Panola, while walking 46 times and fanning just 54. In his sophomore campaign last spring, Etzel averaged .433 with seven homers and 49 RBI with 20 stolen bases.
He then went to the MLB Draft League for collegiate players last summer, where he notched a .371 average with four homers, 22 RBI and 25 stolen bases.
D1Baseball.com described Etzel as 'the left-handed hitter combines power and pure hit ability in the batter's box with above average arm strength, plus speed and strong defense in the outfield.'
Parker joins the Golden Eagles from Pearl River Community College after putting together a pair of first-team NJCAA All-American seasons. Last year, Parker held a .450 average with 19 homers – fifth in the NJCAA – to go along with 11 doubles, three triples and 65 RBI.
As a freshman, Parker compiled a .386 batting average with 18 homers and, finishing fifth for the first time nationally in that category, driving in 65 runs with 21 walks and 10 stolen bases.
In his two years, Parker became the school's all-time home run hitter with 37.
The Golden Eagles open practice later this month and begin the 2023 season, Friday, Feb. 17, when they entertain Liberty in the first of a three-game set. Game time is set for 4 p.m.
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