As we continue to shape-the-state here in New York, several different unique features will be available on our website. Player Spotlights, Progress Reports, Commitment Blogs, Scouting Blogs, Rankings and Top-Performer Lists, and so much more. Without the players we have nothing, so lets take this a bit more personal - Get To Know: Our new article feature that hones in on what our Empire State players are up to, what makes them tick, and some real-candid inside access...

Name: Parker Hendershot
High School: Tioga
Grad Year: 2017
Position: 3B/RHP
State Rank: No. 8
Commitment: Buffalo

PBR: Let's start with your baseball commitment to Buffalo. Tell us about the process and how you decided on the Bulls? How excited are you to play in the Mid-American Conference?

Hendershot: The 2016 PBR New York games is what really exposed me to Buffalo. After I visited the campus and received an offer, I decided to choose Buffalo. I am very excited to play in the MAC because the pitching is very competitive in this conference. I want to face the best pitching possible to put my hitting ability to the test. I can't wait for the opportunity to put my hard work in action.

PBR: Baseball has an unbelievable way of positively shaping young man on and off the field. Tell us one life-lesson you have picked up over the years playing the game, and how that life-lesson may impact you later in life?

Hendershot: Over the years, baseball has taught me to deal with failure and how to overcome it. Baseball is a game of failure. I like to work on my weaknesses and build them into my strengths. I believe this is a good trait to have, whether it's on the field, in the classroom, or at work in the future. I want to be the best at whatever I do.

PBR: If you were a baseball scout and just watched yourself play, what would that scouting report look like?

Hendershot: If I were a scout, my report would say: corner infield/outfield with above average arm, power potential, with solid swing mechanics. Opportunities to continue to improve on foot speed. 

PBR: This one is for our strictly baseball-minded readers. Tell us about your strengths and weaknesses on the field.

Hendershot: I believe my strengths are my arm strength, bat speed, and mental toughness. My weaknesses would be foot speed

PBR: You can only pick one, but who is your biggest baseball influence and why?

Hendershot: My biggest baseball influence, and in general would be my late Grandfather Hendershot. My Grandfather has taught me so much on, and more importantly, off the field. He would come to every single game he was able to, and support me and my brother. He always knew the right things to say to me. We would always talk about baseball, no matter the time or place. Baseball was always on his mind. He is the reason I'm at where I'm at. He gets me through everything life has to throw at me.

PBR: We are knee-deep into the off-season schedule. Tell us about your training, and spring preparation.

Hendershot: I lift every morning before school. On Monday's, Wednesday's, and Friday's I get up at 4:30 and drive 30 minutes to the gym to lift for size and strength. On Tuesday's and Thursday's I get up at 6 and go to the school to lift with a former PSU pitcher to lift for strength, explosiveness, quickness, speed, agility, and conditioning. Saturday's and Sunday's are strictly baseball oriented workouts. The main exercises I do are squats, hang cleans, deadlifts, reverse lunges, and bench.  I do a lot of band work and stretching to increase arm strength and flexibility. I do a lot of ladder work to increase my footwork and food speed. I have access to a facility near me whenever I like, so I try to hit, throw, and work on my hands almost every day/night. I'm doing something everyday to get better.

PBR: Anyone that plays the game with true passion hopes to leave their own legacy. Tell us how you want to be remembered for playing the game?

Hendershot: I want to be remembered as a kid who had a true passion for the game, a kid who hated losing more than he loved winning, a kid who would sacrifice anything to become better, a kid who was a good teammate, and as a kid who gave everything he had to help himself become better, his teammates become better, and his program/organization become better.

Get To Know: Nick Insognia (Niskayuna HS)
Get To Know: Demitri Murray (Lansignburgh HS)
Get To Know: Cameron Tomaiko (St. Anthony's)
Get To Know: Jason Diaz (Kellenberg HS)