Born 9 August 1961
WA Hall of Fame Inductee 2021
Parris Mitchell’s baseball journey began at the Melville Braves, where he helped rocket the Braves to State League champions in 1987/88, 1988/89 & 1991/92. It was early into Mitchell’s career that his talent was recognised as he went on to represent Western Australia in the Claxton Shield in 1984 and continued to represent WA and the Perth Heat for the next sixteen years.
In 1988 Mitchell would have the honour of becoming an Olympian as he was selected for Team Australia at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Mitchell ended the tournament with a 1.46 ERA which was fifth-best in the entire Olympic tournament.
In 1989/90 when the Australian Baseball League was formed, Mitchell was signed to the Perth Heat where in his debut season would go 5-2 with three saves. Mitchell’s 1990/91 ABL Championship Series performance against the Daikyo Dolphins will long live in Heat folklore. The right-hander allowed three hits and no runs in six innings of work in the postseason, which played a pivotal role in the Heat going on to become eventual champions.
Mitchell would again represent Australia in the 1993 Intercontinental Cup in Italy and would continue to represent Australia in 1994, 1995 & 1996. Outside of WA and Australian baseball, Mitchell spent time playing baseball in Japan as well as in Holland, where he currently resides.
Below is a sample of some of Parris’s achievements:
- Claxton Shield Player: 1987–2000
- Claxton Shield Champion: 1991, 1996, 2000
- Australian Olympian 1988
- Represented Australia: 1988, 1993-1996
- State League Champion: 1987/88, 1988/89 & 1991/92
- Life Member at Braves Baseball Club 1998
“Parris Mitchell was one of the greatest competitors and teammates I had the pleasure of playing
with. He started out as an outfielder and turned himself into one of the best big game pitchers I have
seen. He thrived in the big moments and there was no one else I would want on the mound when
the game was on the line. Parris was also a tremendous presence in the clubhouse and you loved
being around him both on and off the field.”
Geoff Dyer
“Baseball player, mentor, friend…Parris was the player I aspired to be. The ultimate white line fever player who
left everything on the field for the game and his team. He was one of the best training partners you could ever have as he looked for every opportunity to be better, he would then push you to be better with him. His ability to fill any pitching role (starter or reliever) he was assigned was inspiring as he took every opportunity he was presented with style, class and tenacity but he stood tallest when he was a closer, ‘give me the ball’ his heart and passion for pitching was on show for everyone to see.”
Simon Eissens – Baseball WA Hall of Fame Inductee 2021
“I am proud and privileged to say a few words about Parris Mitchell. A more intense competitor I have yet to play alongside! Parris achieved the highest standard locally and internationally. His inclusion into the WA Baseball Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honour. He played the game with a true competitive spirit and fairness….and I’m sure all WA fans and players would agree. Parris will always be respected as one of the toughest and finest players and men to have worn a baseball uniform. Well done 9ER, Rusky 44.”
Dave Rusin – Baseball WA Hall of Fame Inductee 2021
“Having played most of my career with and against Parris, I can attest to his competitive drive. Staring out as an outfielder Parris played the game at an intense level. Parris then made the switch to becoming an elite pitcher, the same traits he showed early on in his career translated into his pitching. There were many great outings against the best teams in the world, including a memorable performance at the Seoul Olympics. Whilst not overpowering, Parris mastered the art of deception to great effect.”
Tony Adamson – Baseball Australia Hall of Fame Inductee 2005