In his two-year stint with the Concordia baseball team, Jon Sharon (Grosse Pointe North High School/Harper Woods, Mich.) established himself quickly both on and off the field.

As a leader on the squad that broke nearly every program record, Sharon served as a leader in the classroom as well with his selection as an NAIA Academic All-American.

The first baseman who transferred to Concordia from Macomb Community College wrapped up his two-year Cardinal career with the special distinction of being one of the best defensive players in the NAIA.

Final statistical reports were due June 15 for all NAIA teams, and when the reports were tabulated, Sharon's perfect fielding had him ranked in a tie at the #1 spot with a 1.000 fielding percentage. Only two players with a perfect fielding percentage finished with more chances on the season.

"Jon Sharon, quite simply, has been a treasure to be associated with," said head baseball coach Karl Kling. "What he brings to the team as far as ability is far surpassed by what he offers as a human being. Every coach looks for people of Jon's character. His on-field talent was an extra bonus for us."

Sharon finished his two seasons at Concordia with a .315 lifetime average with three home runs and 27 RBI. Sharon's 244 putouts this season ranks him fourth all-time in Cardinal history and his career putout tally of 277 is eighth all-time at Concordia. But his perfect fielding percentage can be considered the best in the nation for the 2006 season.

Sharon, who is majoring Elementary Education with an emphasis on history and physical education, will return to Concordia this fall to complete his degree.