The joyous final play of the season summed up what Jordan Parraz meant to the Green Valley Gators in 2003.
He pitched the ball, fielded it, and sprinted it over to first base for the final out in Green Valley's state tournament title game win against Reno. And not to worry about the hitting part -- Parraz took care of that earlier in the day by going 3-for-4 with three RBIs.
Such a game is emblematic of how Parraz spearheaded Green Valley's furious undefeated charge through the region and state playoffs en route to their second 4A crown in three years. Whether patrolling center field or firing 95-mph gas on the mound, whether driving in runs or stealing bases, Parraz keyed whatever Green Valley did, earning the honor of Sun All-State Baseball Player of the Year.
"In one way, shape, or form, in some aspect of the game, he always contributed," Green Valley coach Nick Garritano said.
Coming into the season, Garritano felt that the leadership of Parraz would be important to Green Valley's championship hopes. Yet even though this gregarious senior is not afraid to speak up, he prefers to do his talking between the lines.
"I was being a leader by my actions," Parraz said. "I was a pretty big leader on our team."
No single action had a bigger impact on the 2003 baseball season than Green Valley's decision to let Parraz use his surgically repaired right arm on the mound. Parraz did not disappoint, bringing out countless scouts with his overpowering fastball. His good breaking stuff made the heater even more unbearable for hitters, as Parraz compiled a 5-1 record and a 1.12 ERA and 30 Ks both in the rotation and out of the bullpen.
Parraz broke his elbow as a junior and the Gators' coaching staff took its time in working him onto the mound as a senior, gradually building his innings and pitch counts. By midseason, he was ready. Hitters were not -- Parraz struck out 13 in a complete-game win against Carson in the opening round of the state tournament, with two dozen scouts in attendance.
"I always wanted to be in the rotation," Parraz said. "But the coaches didn't think I could be."
The leadership of Parraz taking on an increased role showed through for Green Valley, which overtook Silverado for the Southeast Division crown late in the season and never looked back.
"A lot of kids looked up to Jordan, looked to him for leadership," Garritano said. "He was sort of like that big brother on your team."
Big brother also came up big at the plate. Parraz batted .420 with nine homers and 47 RBIs. He scored 49 runs and swiped 13 bases as well.
The scouts took notice of Parraz's last-season breakout and the Philadelphia Phillies selected him in the sixth round of the Major League Baseball draft, the highest pick of a prep player from the Valley. Parraz committed to play junior college ball at Community College of Southern Nevada, but he still may sign with the Phillies.
"I'm back and forth every day," Parraz said of his feelings about going pro, adding that he is leaning toward joining the Phillies.
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