When looking at the lineup card before a game, Parker Winton might not always know where he’s playing, but he’s always ready for whatever position he’s needed at. As a versatile outfielder, Winton has played a key role over the last two years for the Alamo Heights Mules, and this year he’s an everyday starter. Just look towards the outfield, and Winton will be there.
Winton sat down with me after practice to talk about his life in baseball and answer some fun “rapid-fire” questions.
When did you start playing baseball?
I was around six years old. That’s when I started playing tee-ball and backyard baseball with my neighbors and best friends when we were little. I grew up at the little league just watching games or playing games, running around with our friends. That was the place to go on Friday nights.
When did you make Varsity?
I made Varsity my junior year. I was hurt my freshman year when I broke my leg. I got to play like two games on JVB when I finally came back and then was on JVB my sophomore year and now varsity junior and senior year.
What has been your favorite memory with Alamo Heights baseball?
Definitely going to State last year. It was a big deal and an awesome thing to remember. Going up against all those great teams and then getting to beat our rival to get to State was awesome. Beating Boerne Champion was a good way to get there.
What is your next step after high school? Do you hope to continue playing baseball?
I’m going to Texas A&M next year, not to play baseball but to get a good education.
You’ve had to play a big utility role on this team. What’s it like having to be prepared for multiple positions?
You just gotta do whatever you have to to help your team win the game. Whatever it takes I’ll do.
Is it hard not knowing sometimes where you might play in a given game? Do you do anything differently to prepare for that?
No, not really. I know I’ll usually be in the outfield whether it be right, left or center. Basically they’re all the same for the most part besides just knowing where to back up throws and where to always be.
Do you model yourself after any particular player?
No, I play my own game. To be completely honest with you, I cannot sit down and watch baseball for very long. It’s kind of like watching golf for me. It’s completely opposite when you’re playing it. It’s a different game from a different point of view.
What makes playing so different from watching for you?
When you’re on the field, you’re hitting, you’re in the game and you’re with your team. Then you’re sitting on your couch and pitch by pitch moves really slow when you’re not playing. There’s just something about it that I tend not to watch baseball very often.
What’s your go to song before a game?
I have to go with “Rollin’,” or “Save a Horse[Ride a Cowboy]” by Big and Rich. Those are two great songs. What I listen to depends on my mood. On the bus I usually listen to country music because I’m just relaxing and I like country. Then if we do get a chance to listen to music before the game I usually listen to something more upbeat like rap, or a faster country song. My go-to rap song, I’m not sure what that would be, but “Throw It Up” is a pretty good pump-up song.
Who is your favorite sports team?
It’s gotta be the San Antonio Spurs. Basketball is a fun sport to watch. I follow Texas Tech football because of my parents and A&M because that’s where my brother goes and where I’m going next year.
Who do you go to if you need a laugh in the dugout or at practice?
If I need a laugh at practice I definitely go to Hunter Campbell. He’s a funny guy.
What are some of your hobbies outside of baseball?
Well, hunting, fishing, I always like to take a trip to the ranch with some of my buds, and then playing “low-hoop,” or low room basketball is always a fun experience, especially when you get to dunk on your friends like Matthew Butler.
Do you have any unique talents?
I’m not gonna lie, I can jump pretty high.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Probably John Wayne because he’s not a guy you want to mess with.
Name three people you would invite to your dream dinner party. What would you eat and where would you hold dinner?
The old Daisy Duke from “The Dukes of Hazzard.” She’s always a go-to and a good looking lady. George Strait, a great man, and Alan Jackson.
If you were stranded on an island with one person, who would you choose and why?
Daisy Duke for sure. If John Wayne was out there with me we would probably shoot each other, and he would probably kill me before I’d kill him, so Daisy Duke for sure.
If you had to tell the world one thing about yourself, what would you say?
I’m a fun person to be around.