A right-handed pitcher, he was captain of his Vanderbilt University team in Nashville. He pitched for Vanderbilt in 1985 and 1986.

In 1984, he pitched in the St. Louis area for Jefferson College where he was team MVP. He was named All- Conference and All-Region.

In 1983, Parke pitched for Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri. He was an outstanding pitcher at Northwest High School in House Springs.

Parke starred for Eureka Post 177 in the early 1980s, helping his team win the American Legion District 9 championship. He pitched three no-hitters and was undefeated on the mound. He had a composite batting average of .408. He was selected for two American Legion all-star teams.

Parke pitched in the St. Louis Metro Collegiate League for Centerre Bank in 1984 and 1985, and Anheuser-Busch in 1986. He was the top pitcher for both of those league championship teams. He was among the league leaders in ERA, wins, and strikeouts. He was named to the all-star team every year. He was on two league championship teams and one runner-up. He had sixteen strikeouts in two of the playoff games.

In 1987, Parke played semi-pro ball for the Moose Jaw Astros in Saskatchewan.

From 1988 to 1991, he pitched for the Sauget Wizards in the Mon-Clair League. He was among the league leaders in ERA, wins, and strikeouts. He helped the Sauget Wizards win several Mon-Clair League championships. He received two MVP awards and played on two Mon-Clair League all-star teams.

Parke coached youth baseball teams for twelve seasons in West St. Louis County.