From orange and garnet to Dodger blue
Nick Dean’s baseball dream finally became a reality. On June 10, 2015. The former Scots shortstop was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in round 32 of the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft to become Maryville College’s first ever Major League draft pick.
During his career at Maryville, Dean became the Scots all-time hit leader, the 2014 and 2015 USA South player of the year, 2015 South region player of the year and MC’s only 2 time All-American. In Dean’s last season as a fighting scot, he finished with a .454 batting average, 8 home runs and 51 RBI’s.
Once Dean was drafted, he flew out to the Dodgers facilities to sign his first professional contract.
After signing his contract, Dean was optioned to play rookie ball in Ogden, Utah to play for the Ogden Raptors.
“I honestly didn’t know what to expect at the beginning. The pitching is very good. It’s weird going from a hitting dominated league to one that’s all pitching. It is definitely a grind though. You don’t have class or anything, but it’s just like a job. Wake up and go to work every day.” Said Dean.
While at Ogden, Dean produced a .390 batting average, 3 home runs, 17 RBI’s and .452 on base percentage. Dean also gave the Raptors a walk-off hit against the Orem Owls with a ninth inning RBI single. In the field, Dean fielded .950 with only three errors in a total of 23 games with Ogden.
Dean played so well that it caught the attention of the Dodgers organization. On July 15, 2015 Dean got a promotion. He got called up to play Single A ball for the Great Lakes Loons in Midland, Michigan.
“It was pretty awesome. I was very excited and was looking forward to it.” Said Dean. “I knew that if I kept doing what I was doing in rookie ball I would eventually get called up, but I didn’t think it would be that quick. It’s also nice to get to be a little closer to home so I was pretty pumped about that.”
In Great Lakes, Dean finished his season, he batted .225 with 9 RBI’s and a .329 on base percentage.
Although his stats dipped, Dean still performed when it mattered most. On August 9, 2015 Dean conducted his second walk-off hit of the season against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
Dean still has not forgotten about where he has come from.
“I can’t express enough how thankful I am for all the support back home. It makes it that much easier to go out and play every single day. I couldn’t ask for anything more than what everybody back home and in Maryville gave me.” Said Dean.
Dean was also passionate about leaving advice for more aspiring players.
“You never give up on your dream. I was very blessed with my abilities, but I also felt that I worked hard for what I got my whole life. I would say never let anybody tell you that you can’t do something and always do whatever makes you happy.”
Dean has now begun his off-season and will prepare for the upcoming 2016 season.