Is expected to be one of two of SDSU[apos]s primary catchers in 2009 after handling the bulk of the work behind the plate last season ... Played for the Corvallis Knights of the West Coast League during summer 2009 ... During summer of 2007, competed for the Redbirds of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League in Cockeysville, Maryland ... Batted .220 with five doubles and eight runs batted in ... Was named to the league all-star team ... Played summer baseball in 2005 and 2006 for the Liquid Ice team (Connie Mack League) in San Diego.
SAN DIEGO STATE 2009
After sitting out the previous season with a foot injury, made his return to the San Diego State lineup in the season opener against Bethune-Cookman, singling in his first at bat after coming off the bench ... Continued solid start to the season by singling in his second at bat of the year, that coming vs. Southern University the next day ... Extended that hitting streak to six games, his longest streak of the year ... Season-high two hits and four RBI in the contest vs. Air Force at home on May 9 ... Connected for his first collegiate home run in that game as well ... Had three hits in six at bats during two games at the NCAA Regional along with a pair of walks ... Solid defensive catcher did not committed an error behind the plate this season in 252 chances ... Made 39 appearances at the catching position with 28 starts there, most of any of SDSU[apos]s three catchers ... One start in the designated hitter role ... Batted .303 (10-for-33) in the 14 conference games in which he played with seven runs scored and seven RBI.
SAN DIEGO STATE 2008
Redshirted during his sophomore season at San Diego State due to a foot injury.
SAN DIEGO STATE 2007
Started behind the plate in 12 games and as the designated hitter once ... Recorded a hit in his first collegiate at bat, a two-out single to right against Pacific on March 2 that drove in a run ... Had a pair of singles and a season-high three runs batted in against New Mexico on April 7 ... Did not commit an error in 14 contests as a catcher (96 chances) ... Was 5-for-13 during a season-best four-game hitting streak (March 30-April 5) with all four contests against New Mexico (three away, one at home) ... Season highs of two hits in a game on three occasions and three RBI in a game twice ... Reached those numbers in the contest vs. Utah at the Mountain West Conference tournament, also scoring a personal-best two runs in that game.
HIGH SCHOOL
Played two seasons of varsity baseball at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego ... Coached there by Sam Blalock ... Won team Bronco Award (MVP) after hitting .325 with seven home runs, 40 RBI and a .581 slugging percentage as a senior ... A second-team all-Palomar League selection ... Team captain in 2006 ... Batted .294 as a junior and won Gold Glove defensive award after committing no errors during the season ... Named to San Diego Union Tribune all-academic baseball team ... Honor roll student.
PERSONAL
Matthew James Parker was born Feb. 9, 1988, in San Diego ... Son of James and Marjorie Parker ... Father played baseball at San Diego Mesa JC and uncle (Brian Bullas) played at University of San Diego ... Interests include ping pong, classic rock, going to the beach and watching movies ... Favorite athlete is boxer Muhammad Ali ... A public administration major at San Diego State.