Richard Blake Parker is an American professional baseball relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball. Prior to playing professionally, Parker attended Fayetteville High School and then the University of Arkansas. He was drafted by the Cubs in the 16th round of the 2006 amateur draft, being signed by scout Brian Milner. He began his professional career in 2007, splitting the season between the AZL Cubs and Boise Hawks, going a combined 2-0 with a 2.39 ERA. In 2008, he played for three teams - the Peoria Chiefs, the Daytona Cubs, and the Iowa Cubs - going 4-2 with a 2.13 ERA and 12 saves in 45 games combined. In 71 2/3 innings, he allowed only 50 hits while striking out 75 batters. He split the 2009 season between the Tennessee Smokies and Iowa Cubs, going a combined 2-3 with a 2.70 ERA, saving 25 games in 55 appearances. In 63 �?? innings, Parker allowed 44 hits and struck out 77 batters. He began the 2010 season with the Iowa Cubs and split the year between Iowa and Tennessee, going a combined 1-5 with a 4.21 ERA. In 2011, he went 4-5 with a 3.23 ERA in 53 games split between Iowa and Tennessee. The Cubs promoted him to MLB on May 17, 2012. [More at Wikipedia]

June 19th, 1985 in Fayetteville (Age 39)