Nick Parton is ready for the next step. The Baseball Victoria Aces Academy athlete and Victorian representative recently committed to Barton College for 2023 and is looking ahead to a bright future in his beloved sport.
From club ball with Malvern and North Balwyn to representative opportunities, Parton has made the most of his junior baseball career and knows the next move will be worth it.
“I am just most excited about getting over to play and try to develop as much as I can as a player in my time at Barton,” Parton said. “Of course, I also am looking forward to the whole college experience and what it will be like to live in Kansas.”
“The hardest thing about moving over will be saying goodbye to my family and close friends, as well as all my teammates and coaches from Malvern that I have played with my whole life.”
In preparation for his college career, Parton has been making sure he does something every day, whether that be skills or strength work. He strives to get in three lifting sessions a week on top of BV Academy training at Melbourne Ballpark with Damian Shanahan and Keli’i Zablan.
Even on days with no official training, he does his own tee work to get ready for game day. Sports and conditioning has spurred his development and confidence, too.
“Lifting has been the best thing that happened to me for my development in baseball. Since I started lifting two and a half years ago, I have made huge improvements to my game. The more I progressively gain strength, the faster and more powerful I have become on the field, on the mound, and in the box,” Parton said.
With hopes of playing baseball for as long as possible, Parton is inspired by fellow Aussies chasing big dreams.
“The Australian players I’d say I look up to are my teammates from Malvern who are playing pro ball at the moment, Jarryd Dale and Chris Burke,” Parton said.
He also has some parting words of wisdom for players who want to take their game to the next level.
“Just stay consistent with your training and lifting as baseball is a hard game and there are no short cuts. As Damian Shanahan always tells us, we need to just chip away and do a little bit every day in order to develop.”