Former Washburn two-sport standout Jerad Head recently completed a successful first season with the Burlington Indians, the Cleveland Indians class A minor league affiliate.

Head was a guard for the Ichabod basketball team and also played shortstop at Washburn for three years. He went undrafted in the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft but signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Indians after his junior year at Washburn.

“When I was at Washburn I tried to fit two sports in, but balancing them was tough,” said Head. “Playing baseball gave me the opportunity to come back right away and play everyday after the basketball season ended, which helped me in the long run.”

Head played in 59 games for Burlington, leading the Appalachian league in RBIs with 52. He also tied for third in homeruns with 10, tied for first in triples with five and was third in runs with 44. He was also versatile, playing every position except catcher.

“He led the league in RBIs, but what was really a plus was that he played multiple positions,” said Steve Anson, Washburn head baseball coach. “For him to show that kind of power in his first year is really important, when your driving in that many runs then your coming through in the clutch. I think his average is down a little from where he’d like to see it. He started off slow, but his average climbed at the end of the year which is a good sign.”

Head hopes for a steady climb toward the major leagues. He does not yet know where he will be assigned by the Indians organization to play next year.

“Hopefully next year I’ll move up to AA,” said Head. “I’d like to improve and move up a level every year and just see what happens. I look forward to playing everyday and concentrating on getting better.”

Head became the first Washburn player since Rick Dehart in 1992 to sign with a major league organization. He finished at Washburn with a career .380 batting average.

As a basketball player he was part of three MIAA championship teams. His contract includes a clause that will pay for his tuition to complete his criminal justice degree.