Today, at age 44, Jop is a loving husband to his college sweetheart, Mechelle, and a father to two talented ballplayers – JoJo, a shortstop ranked No. 9 on MLB Pipeline’s Draft prospects list, and Jacob, an outfielder ranked No. 109.

Several key players and signees went undrafted, meaning they're likely to come to Starkville for Brian O'Connor's first season leading the Bulldogs.

HATTIESBURG. Miss (WDAM) - Purvis High School’s JoJo Parker has made history. The shortstop was selected with the 8th Pick in the 2025 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming the highest draft pick out of Purvis. He is currently signed to play ...