Courtesy of Fitchburg State Sports Information

FITCHBURG, Mass. – Fitchburg State University has named Ryan Parker as the 11th head coach in the history of the baseball program. The announcement was made by Sue Lauder, Director of Athletics at the University.

"I am very excited to welcome Ryan Parker to Fitchburg State.  He brings tremendous experience, both as a player and a coach, with a highly-regarded, successful Division III baseball program as well as coaching experience with the Cape Cod Baseball League.  I look forward to working with him as he leads the program and develops our student athletes."

"I can't express into words the gratitude I have for Wheaton head baseball coach Eric Podbelski for the good work that was put in there that led to this opportunity at Fitchburg State." said Parker. "I am equally grateful to Sue Lauder for giving me this opportunity and can't wait to coach the Green and Gold".

Parker takes over the reins as the head baseball coach at Fitchburg State after serving the past eight season as the pitching coach for Wheaton College, while also serving as the pitching coach of the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Baseball League from 2008-2010 as well as the head coach of the Milton Reds Senior Babe Ruth baseball team during the 2013 campaign.

Parker was a four-year member of the Wheaton College Lyons baseball team, contributing to three New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Championships as a pitcher. Off the field, Ryan is the Founder, President and Director of Baseball Operations at the Circle Change Foundation in Boston, Massachusetts. The Foundation provides baseball instruction and academic advising for young ballplayers throughout the areas of the northeast.

A 2001 graduate of Wheaton College in Sociology, Parker also collected his Master's of Education and Student Affairs Counseling from Bridgewater State University in 2008.

A Waterlivet, New York native, Parker will assume all head coaching duties effect immediately.