Whitehead was a 160-lb utility infielder for the Cardinals who was often in poor health. The Giants’ Bill Terry was criticized when he gave up players and cash for him in December 1935, but Whitehead played in every game for New York in their pennant-winning 1936 and 1937 seasons. He led NL second basemen in total chances per game in 1936, and in putouts, fielding percentage, and double plays in 1937. He missed the 1938 season due to illness and later spent four years in the WWII Navy.