Profile Spotlight on James Parr

The life of a professional baseball player can be a roller coaster at times. Right-handed pitcher James Parr is one person that can vouch for that statement. In the last year, Parr pitched with three teams within the Atlanta Braves organization. His success with Gwinnett early last season earned him a spot in Atlanta's bullpen. In his first eight innings of relief for the A-Braves, Parr allowed just 3 earned runs. In the next six innings, he allowed 6 earned runs and was later optioned back to Gwinnett.

In early June, Parr was dealing with soreness in his right elbow and was placed on the disabled list. Those troubles would eventually follow him for the rest of the season. He made three rehab starts with the Gulf Coast Braves before he was activated from the DL. In those starts, he pitched 6 innings without giving up an earned run.

In his return to the G-Braves, he made just four more appearances on the mound before returning to the DL for the rest of the season. "Last year was tough," James Parr said. "It was the first year I had never been healthy."

"But what's life without a little adversity? It teaches you a lot."

Parr spent the offseason rehabbing his arm while working out in preparation for this season. Before heading to Spring Training, he, along with several Braves players and alumni, participated in the Braves Community Caravan. The Caravan traveled more than 3,000 miles, making nearly 40 stops in five states. It was an opportunity for Parr to be able to connect to the fans that have taken interest in him. Anytime those fans asked him about his offseason, he responded with the same answer.

"I'm ready to get things started again."

In his three appearances this spring for the Braves, he went 1-0 and held opposing batters to a .185 batting average. His performance earned him the start for the G-Braves on Opening Day against the Charlotte Knights at Coolray Field. In that game, he struck out 4 batters in 5 innings pitched.