Memphis University School Head Baseball Coach Marc MacMillan announced that senior Michael Park has signed to play baseball for the University of Mississippi. The senior’s ability to excel in multiple sports has been an integral part of the Owls’ success on both the baseball diamond and the football field as he led the 2006 Diamond Owls to the State semifinals and quarterbacked the 2005 State Championship football team.
"MUS will always be a place that allows someone to excel in more than one sport or activity,” said Bobby Alston, MUS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. “Michael has taken advantage of both his talent and the school's philosophy to maximize his contribution in both baseball and football. I have no doubt that he will continue to excel at Ole Miss as he has done at MUS."
Park, a 6’1”, 195-pound RHP/3B, has been a two-time All-State selection and was instrumental in the Diamond Owls earning the school’s first state-tournament win as he threw a complete game against Knoxville Webb as well as helping earn the second State-Tournament bid for the school. In the 2006 season, he posted a record of 10-1 in 62.67 total innings pitched, allowing only 44 hits and 14 earned runs while recording 92 strikeouts and 1.56 ERA. Offensively, Park hit .343 with 31 RBIs and 31 runs scored.
Park's performance last year was recognized nationally with his selection as an Honorable Mention Multi-Position Player for the 2006 Louisville Slugger All-American Team and as a P/UT player for the 2006 National High School Baseball Coaches Association's All District Team. Both state and metro coaches selected him to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association's D2 All-State Team, D2/AAA Tennessee Baseball Report All 2-Way Team, D2 West Tennessee Region All-Conference Team, D2 West Tennessee Regional All-Tournament Team, Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association's All-Region Team, Commercial Appeal "Private" All-Metro Team, and one of five Best of Prep Finalists.
Following a formal signing Wednesday morning, Michael voiced his enthusiasm.
“Ole Miss is where I’ve always wanted to go,” he said. “They’ve been really successful for the past few years, and I am impressed with the players, coaches, and the facilities. It seems like a great fit.”
Coach MacMillan understands what a special place Ole Miss is to Michael and the Park family. Michael will be joining his brother, Rob, MUS Class of 2005, a punter on the Ole Miss football team. Michael’s father, Dudley Park, graduated from Ole Miss in 1978, and his uncle, Mike Park, was an All-SEC pitcher on the Rebel baseball team before graduating in 1975.
“I am very excited for Michael and his family. Ole Miss and baseball have a memorable history in the Park family, and the opportunity for Michael to play at not only the school of his choice but one that has meant so much to the Parks is really special,” shares Coach MacMillan. “Ole Miss will provide Michael the opportunity to excel in the classroom and compete for one of the top programs in the toughest conference in the country. That’s a great combination for him to be a part of.”