At 14 years old, Paris Head is one of the younger athletes in attendance though he hardly reflects that. Already accustomed to elite competition, Head played on the world-cup winning 2023 USA Baseball 12U National Team and is familiar with competing among his age group’s top players on an international stage. Head attends Lane Tech College Prep High School in Chicago, whose baseball program is coming off an Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Regional Title in 2025. One of the top players in his class, Head wowed with both his bat and arm during DREAM Series.
A four-day camp in an unfamiliar environment can be overwhelming for a young player who is surrounded by new faces and subject to the grind of a four-day camp. Head, however, is far ahead of the curve thanks to his experience wearing the red, white, and blue.
“Coach [Troy] Gerlach taught us everything,” Head said about his experience with the 12U National Team. “That was the first time I had a strict and regimented schedule especially when it came to training. Being able to travel to Taiwan and play with guys I didn’t really know, it helped me become more social. I’ve been to a lot of these camps and different teams where you’re playing with kids you don’t know at all, so bonding in a short amount of time is something I’ve gotten better at.”
Garnering a unique and valuable experience at such a young age, the Illinois native is already comfortable learning from elite mentors and understands the opportunity presented at DREAM Series.
“It’s been a great experience,” said Head. “I’ve been getting to experience what it’s been like to be a big leaguer with our schedule and everything that we’re doing. All the coaches have been helping me too, especially if I don’t feel something or if something doesn’t feel right, they’ll talk to me about what’s going on because they’ve all been here before.”
From playing in the suburbs of Chicago to competing in front of sold out crowds in Taiwan, Head's journey is far from over. Hard work and dedication is what got Head to where he is, as he has participated in numerous development camps and identification events over the years including USA Baseball's 13U/14U Athlete Development Program and National Team Identification Series. As Head begins his prep career at Lane Tech, his commitment to growth will surely pay dividends from the standpoint of both his athletic ability and character.
