Nick Parker says it's 'pretty special' to face former teammate BT Riopelle

Just under 24 hours away from the beginning of the College World Series, we will have two former teammates facing off against one another. Virginia will throw Nick Parker to kick off their journey in Omaha, going up against the Florida Gators. Of course, slugger BT Riopelle will be looking to do some damage at the plate but these upcoming at-bats will be different.

Parker and Riopelle both played at Coastal Carolina and were even roommates. Now, they will be facing off on college baseball’s biggest stage. The moment will be “pretty special” according to Parker, with everything feeling like it will come full circle for them.

“BT, he is a great dude, man,” Parker said. “I’m glad to see he has been doing well over there at Florida. It’s pretty neat after all these years we’ve run back into each other on this stage. Pretty neat. Pretty special.”

Parker has thrown 75.2 innings this season, allowing just 10 home runs. He nearly has a 4/1 K/BB ratio as well, dominating hitters throughout the season. It’s no surprise Virginia is calling his name first, looking to start 1-0 at the College World Series.

But Riopelle will be looking to break his former teammate’s form. The catcher has 16 home runs and is slugging at a .537 rate. Riopelle is prone to the strikeout but has been huge for Florida all season. It’s going to be a battle at the plate against Parker.

BT Riopelle heading out of baseball following CWS

Unfortunately for the baseball world, Riopelle will be playing his final games in Omaha. There are no plans for him to continue his career once his time in college is over, instead going into the finance world. Riopelle plans on becoming an investment banker.

Parker was asked about that decision by Florida’s main man, saying he would support Riopelle no matter what the decision is. Whether it’s continuing to play baseball or going into finance, Parker believes Riopelle is going to smash it either way.

“I’m sure he mentioned it before, but he is a terrific baseball player,” Parker said. “Man, he is really good. And whatever he wants to pursue is what he pursues, and I’m happy for him in whatever he does.”

The business world will have to wait though. There is some baseball to be played first, as the College World Series finally gets underway on Friday afternoon.