Lake Central’s Parker Robinson has a passion for baseball. He cares. So the sophomore shortstop is going to have a certain feeling about the game regardless of the circumstances. “You always get those butterflies, get a little nervous,” Robinson said. “Just excited, eager to get out there an d play.” With his demeanor, Robinson didn’t experience any more or less of those feelings when he entered Lake Central’s tradition-rich program as a freshman last season. He expected to fit in there and flourish from the outset. Starting at shortstop, Robinson hit .245 with 17 RBIs and 20 runs scored as the Indians put together a special season that culminated with the Class 4A state title. “Parker has been a great addition to our program beginning two years ago when he stepped in as a freshman and started for our 2024 state championship team,” Lake Central coach Mike Swartzentruber said. “Plays with a real calm beyond his years. Very talented young man who is extremely coachable. “Future is very bright for him, and I’m looking forward to a huge sophomore season from him as well. Look forward to penciling him in our lineup for two more years. Very exciting.” Robinson still had to grow into the situation, however. “I had to learn really quickly,” he said. “Playing on a team with high expectations, you have to play to those expectations every game — just learning that piece and maturing with the team. “I really matured a lot and got in the weight room since last year. I had a few mental hiccups last year, but this year I’m ready. I had some normal immaturity, but I weeded most of that out. I’m better mentally.” Lake Central’s Parker Robinson, left, drives the ball for a single during a Duneland Athletic Conference game against Valparaiso in St. John on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. (Andy Lavalley / Post-Tribune) Robinson has also added 15 pounds to his 6-foot-4 frame since last season. “I’m making sure I’m locked in because we all have huge goals,” he said. “I want to be a leader out there on the field. In the box, I want to hit everything hard. I just think, ‘Hit the ball hard every time.’ In the field, make the routine plays, throw in a few great ones. “I just want to be a leader out there on the field, talk to everybody and make sure everything’s running smoothly.” Robinson envisions the Indians having another successful season. “We have a good shot this year,” he said. “We really get down and we grind. We don’t let the noise distract us. We just work all day, every day. We’re going to make a deep run this year. We have the mindset and the work ethic.” Robinson plans to commit to a college this summer or early fall, with SEC and ACC teams on his radar, and aims to pursue a professional career. He has that type of ability. “Parker is one of the most talented kids I’ve seen,” Lake Central senior third baseman Ryder Fernandez said. “Even at such a young age, I see so much potential. He’s a great kid on and off the field, putting in work in the classroom. “Most importantly, I love how big of a role he takes on for the team at such a young age. He was a huge asset for us last year in the state run, and I’m expecting another three more seasons of perfection from him. He defines what an LC baseball player is.” ...read more read less