Milwaukee Milkmen infielder Parker Lester is embracing his time in the Independent League

After a successful college career that included stints at Miami Ohio and Mercer University, Parker Lester is starting to carve out a name for himself in the Independent League. The Georgia native got his first taste last season and excelled at the plate.

In 38 games for the Milwaukee Milkmen, Lester posted a .281 batting average and drove in 19 runs. He also showed some power with 10 extra base hits, including seven doubles. While the 22-year-old had to adjust to a new league quickly, it was an experience he does not take for granted.

“ Honestly, it was really fun, Lester said. “ It is a lot different from college. I remember, right when I walked into the clubhouse, everyone was greeting me, saying congrats, and making sure I was good. Everyone was like hey do you need, do you need this, and I was like Whoa, what was happening?”

Mercer made an instant impact and became an on-base machine for the Milkmen. His success was partly due to the coaching he received at Miami Ohio and Mercer. During his time at both programs, they helped Lester unlock different areas of his game. 

“ When I started at Miami Ohio, I was a young kid,” Lester said. “ The main piece they taught me was translating the game from high school to collegiate. The game gets faster, players throw harder, and they throw more strikes. They taught me how to play the game at a faster pace, which really helped me. At Mercer, they help me hit for more power. The biggest takeaway was them helping me get in the weight room, get stronger, and translate the strength to the mechanics side.” 

In just a few weeks with the Milkmen during the 2025 campaign, Lester became an important piece. That was on display earlier this month when the Milkmen wasted no time in signing Lester to a new deal. For the Georgia native, going back was an easy decision. 

“ I think for me it was a no-brainer with the people in the organization,” Lester said. “ They do a really good job from the front office people to the gameday guys. We get some benefits from the facility around the field. There isn’t a crazy amount of money in Independent league ball, and having a gym to go to on days off and stuff like that is big. Everyone takes it very seriously, and it is enjoyable to be around.”

Although expectations are now higher, Lester is ready to meet the challenge. Regardless of the level, his approach will stay the same. 

“Chase Estep was a guy that played at Kentucky and was in the Mets organization for a while,” Lester said. “He was saying it might be his last year, and he said to go out there and play like you’re young still, play like you’re a kid. Yeah, it’s your job now, but don’t worry about the outside factors and just control what you do on the field. That has really stuck with me.”