Parsley, Nygren sign with Division I schools

Logan Parsley and James Nygren follow in a long list of players that demonstrate what the Western Nevada College baseball program is all about.

Parsley, a sophomore who graduated from Carson High, and Nygren, a freshman, both quite weren't ready for Division I baseball when they came to WNC. Both both developed into Division players and both signed with Division I programs on Wednesday, the first day of the fall signing period.

While it took Parsley a year to develop into a Division player, Nygren's development into a Division player came must quicker than expected. Parsley signed with the University of Nevada while Nygren signed with reigning two-time national champion Oregon State.

Western Nevada has now had 11 players sign with Divisiion I programs since it took the field in 2006.

Nygren will likely have a huge decision to make in June. It's likely he could be taken high enough in the Major League draft to consider passing up the chance to play with the Beavers and sign a pro contract.

"I have thought about it," Nygren said. "College is something that's very important to me."

While Nygren still has the option of returning to WNC, he said he expects to play just this spring with the Wildcats. If he doesn't sign a pro contract, Nygren expects to be at Oregon State, he said. "It's either Oregon State or the draft," Nygren said.

At the beginning of the fall that far fetched. But Nygren, a pitcher, has developed a fastball that has reached 95 miles an hour, so obviously he raised his stock considerably.

"I never imagined, especially not this quick," said Nygren about his development. "I figured I'd play a couple of years here. It's just unbelievable."

Nygren credited his development to WNC pitching coaches Kevin Edwards and Dennis Banks.

"I never really had any pitching advice," said Nygren about before coming to WNC. "I feel very fortunate to be with these two guys. These two guys are amazing."

Nygren said the reason why he came to WNC is because of the success its pitchers have had. "It's just worked out phenomenal," he said.

Other schools to recruit Nygren included Oregon, Long Beach State, Arizona State and Texas Tech. But there was no question where he wanted to go.

"Oregon State's been my dream school since I was little," Nygren said. "It's amazing to get the opportunity to play for them."

Although Parsley said he doesn't know what to expect, it's also possible he may have to decide between signing a pro contract or going to Nevada. Parsley has outstanding power and speed.

He's been timed at 6.5 seconds in the 60-yard dash (6.7 seconds is considered excellent). Because of his speed, Parsley was moved to centerfield by WNC, which has continued to raise his stock.

Parsley can also play second and third base. "He's the epitomy of a complete baseball player," Edwards said.

"Because of my speed I was sent out to centerfield," Parsley said. "I love it. I like it more than the infield actually."

Parsley received interest from numerous Division II schools. Oregon and Nevada were the Division I schools that showed interest in him.

"I believe that UNR's a good fit for me," said Parsley about why he decided to sign early. "It's definitely a privelege to go Division I."