Parker Robinson was four years old when his mom signed him up for T-ball. He was tall even then, with quiet confidence and a lot of energy. By age 7, he was with his first travel team, JEM and by age 11 he made the White Sox ACE team—a year early.
“That was the moment,” Parker says. “When I made that team at 11, playing with older kids, I knew I was going to stick with baseball and really go after it.”
Now 16, he’s the starting shortstop at Lake Central High School in Indiana and a key piece of Alpha Prime, one of the top travel programs in the country. He’s already helped Lake Central win a state title as a freshman, and he’s ranked the #1 overall player and #1 shortstop in Indiana for the 2027 class according to Perfect Game.
He’s also advised by CAA and just recently played at USA Baseball National Team Championships in Cary. Robinson also made White Sox Underclass Area Code Team.
Two of the biggest stages in amateur baseball. The next step? Find the right college fit, and eventually, earn a shot at the draft.
“I Like Being in Charge of the Field”
At 6’4”, Parker doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional shortstop. But he’s not trying to. He doesn’t let his size limit his game. With long strides, quick hands, and vocal leadership, he takes ownership of every play.
“I like being in charge of the field,” he says. “Shortstop lets me talk, direct, and lead. I know where everyone’s supposed to be.”
He’s quick to credit his early coaches for helping build that IQ. Each one helped sharpen the mindset that separates Parker from other players his age.
Last season, he hit .350 with 12 extra-base hits and batted in the heart of the order. His approach is simple.
“When I get in the box, I’m trying to take the pitcher’s head off. Every at-bat, I want to do damage.”
The Turning Point: Footwork and Footwear
The more Parker developed, the more he started thinking about every detail, down to the cleats he wore. For a while, he wore Adidas Adizeros. They were light, fast, and familiar. Then his older brother came home from a tournament wearing something different: SQAIRZ GFP™.
“At first I didn’t know what they were,” Parker says. “But my brother said they helped with his swing, and I wanted to see for myself.”
The difference was immediate.
“The first thing I noticed was the toe box. It’s square, not rounded. My feet weren’t cramped anymore. I could spread out and stay planted. That made a huge difference in how I moved.”
The square toe box and roomier forefoot are key to SQAIRZ’s technology. It creates a stable platform that reduces rollover and allows athletes to transfer more force through their legs and core. For rotational athletes—like hitters and pitchers—this can be a game-changer.
“I felt more stable during my swing. I wasn’t falling off my finish. I could stay grounded and drive the ball further.”
That stability showed up on defense too. Parker started fielding slow rollers with more balance and reacting more smoothly to tough hops.
“I stopped getting thrown off by weird bounces. I could stay low, stay square, and stay in control.”
He wore SQAIRZ GFP™ molded cleats all season, even on turf. And when teammates started asking questions?
“At first, they were like, ‘What are those?’ But once they saw me hitting, they wanted to know where to get a pair.”
For Parker, the performance came first. The look grew on him. So did the confidence.
“I used to just pick whatever cleats looked cool. Now, I wear what helps me play better. That’s it.”
What He’s Chasing
Parker’s game is still evolving. He’s training hard this summer to fine-tune his swing and build strength before the next round of showcases. He’s already being advised by Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and he’ll be weighing offers from Power Four programs once recruiting opens August 1. He has been playing with MLB Breakthrough at various tournaments this summer and has serious drive to become one of the best.
He looks up to Elly De La Cruz, a player with a similar build and playing style.
“We’ve got the same height and frame. But what I love about him is how he plays. He brings energy and excitement. That’s how I want to play too.”
Parker is quiet off the field, but on the diamond, he brings a spark. He’s competitive. He’s technical. He sees the game from angles other players miss.
And he’s building something real.
Advice From the Top Shortstop in Indiana
When asked what he’d tell a younger player just starting out in the sport, Parker doesn’t overthink it.
“Stick with it. Baseball is hard. But whatever you put into it, that’s what you’ll get back.”
He knows the game demands patience. The wins take time. The right tools—whether it’s coaching, reps, or a better pair of cleats—can help speed up the learning curve. But there are no shortcuts.
Explore the cleats trusted by top talent. Shop SQAIRZ Baseball and get dialed in.