Washington’s Braden Vanderheydt happy with baseball path to college

WASHINGTON, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — He has been a two-sports standout at Washington High School.

And for the longest time, Braden Vanderheydt hard time figuring out which sport would get most of his time. Baseball or basketball.

“I always had a back and forth. In season, I would say this is my jam. Then I’d flip seasons and I’d say maybe I like that (sport) more,” Braden Vanderheydt said. “After sophomore year, I made the decision I wanted to play baseball and I started getting recruited seriously.”

Braden’s father Jerry, a former college basketball player at Creighton, has coached his son in basketball for years. Although he love hoops, Braden knew at some point, he’d have to tell his father that he would be pursuing college baseball over basketball.

Garrett Cox/Washington senior: “I always knew the inside scoop, I knew what he wanted to do his whole life,” said Washington senior Garrett Cox, Braden’s baseball teammate for five years. “He would say, ‘How do I tell my dad?’ He’s going to love you either way and be there for you.”

Braden’s father was not disappointed.

“I don’t think Braden was afraid to share that with me with my basketball background. I think he knew I was going to be happy with whatever sports he chose,” said Jerry Vanderheydt. “He sees the joy I have watching him play basketball and baseball. I enjoy watching him compete.”

Said Braden Vanderheydt after his decision: “I think anyway I could get to college, get to the next level, is making (my dad) proud.”

He will play baseball at Maryville University next year but he’s trying to keep Washington career alive this week. He’ll pitch Wednesday night’s sectional game against Morris.

“I’ve loved every moment of high school sports. From my freshman year playing basketball with my brother to getting to pitch in a sectional semifinal,” said Braden Vanderheydt. “It’s just been great.”

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