Betts: Burgess strives to be a student of the game
Toronto Mets alum and Florida Southwestern State College right-hander Parker Burgess (Douro-Dummer, Ont.) is headed to the College of Charleston in the fall. Photo: Florida Southwestern State College Athletics
March 12, 2026
By Matt Betts
Canadian Baseball Network
Not only has Parker Burgess shown the repertoire to be a successful college pitcher, he’s paired it with the right mindset.
Understanding how to handle success and failure is part of it.
After signing to play at the University of Illinois out of the Toronto Mets program, he didn’t make an appearance during the 2024 season. Seeking more opportunity, he made his way south to Florida Southwestern State College in Cypress Lake, Fla.
It was far from a step down in expectations compared to the Big Ten Conference school, as FSW was coming off a 37-21 season and is routinely found among the powers in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
“I was really looking for a school that I could develop at and I thought that Florida Southwestern State College was going to give me the best opportunity,” Burgess said.
“I knew that coming here, we would be one of the top junior colleges in the nation. So, knowing that I was coming to play for a championship, (and it being) in Florida was just a bonus. I’ve loved my decision ever since and I’m super grateful that I was given the opportunity to come down here.”
Burgess (Douro-Dummer, Ont.) found exactly what he was looking for in the Sunshine State.
During the 2025 season, he made 15 appearances, 13 of which were starts, and threw 36 2/3 innings. He struck out 41 and posted a 5.89 ERA.
So far in 2025, he’s toed the rubber seven times and struck out 17 in 13 innings with a 5.54 ERA.
Over that span, the Buccaneers have put together a 65-23 record, including a trip to the Junior College World Series last season where they went 0-2.
Arguably more important than the numbers for a developing pitcher is the level of competition.
“My time at FSW has really allowed me to develop as a pitcher by allowing me to compete in games against some of the best junior college bats in the country,” Burgess said.
“Being put in situations that push me to find that next gear has exposed both my strengths and weaknesses, showing me how I need to continue to develop and motivate me to keep working.”
It’s also provided the chance to get back to Division I baseball. In November, he committed to the College of Charleston after the school initially saw him in fall games. Phone conversations and a visit followed, and the rest is history.
But before he arrives in South Carolina next fall, he and his teammates have unfinished business.
“Last year we went to the World Series and lost our first two games, and those losses left a bad taste with me and the other returners,” Burgess said.
“We have one goal this year as a team and that’s to play for a national championship.”
As for personal growth, there’s always room for improvement there too, he said.
“I’m hoping to continue to develop as a pitcher and continue to grow in the weight room,” he said.
“I need to continue to be a student of the game and learn from each and every opportunity that I’m provided with this year.”