Backstop Dean Re-Signs for 2015
April 6, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
Wichita Wingnuts Catcher Brent Dean
(Wichita Wingnuts)
WICHITA, KS (April 6, 2015) - At times during a schedule that features 100 games crammed into 110 summer days, a baseball team needs a spark or something to rejuvenate them from the daily grind. In early July of last season the Wichita Wingnuts received just that and filled a position of need with one transaction. By signing catcher Brent Dean, the team found someone to give all-star Chris McMurray a break and bring energy to the clubhouse on a daily basis. Dean has signed up to play his seventh season of pro baseball in Wichita this year.
The backstop began the 2014 season as a free agent after being released by the Milwaukee Brewers following the 2013 campaign. In 21 games Dean batted .317 with three home runs, 11 RBI, and two stolen bases. Spending 17 games behind the plate, he finished with a .977 fielding percentage and one runner caught stealing.
Dean, 28 years old, began his collegiate career with two seasons at L.A. Harbor Junior College, before transferring to UCLA for his final two seasons. He helped lead the Bruins to consecutive NCAA Regional appearances in 2007 and 2008, including the NCAA Super Regional at Cal State Fullerton in 2007. Dean compiled a .276 batting average in two seasons with the Bruins, prior to serving as an undergraduate assistant coach with UCLA in 2009.
As a junior in 2008, he threw out nine of 27 attempted base stealers (33.3 percent), leading UCLA's defense to the highest caught stealing rate among all Pac-10 teams (44.9 percent). Dean played in 29 games, making 26 starts.
After going undrafted out of school, the native of Los Angeles made his professional debut, playing in six games with the Sioux City Explorers in 2009. The following winter he was a free agent signee of the Brewers. In his first full season as a pro, he hit .272 with four home runs and 30 RBI for their Rookie League affiliate in Helena. Dean also began the 2011 season with Helena, but was promoted to Advanced-A Brevard County after just eight games. He spent parts of three seasons with the Manatees before his release. He is a career .248 hitter, with ten home runs, and 68 RBI. The backstop has thrown out 28% of base stealers during his six seasons in professional baseball.
Dean is the 19th player to join the Wingnuts roster for 2015. The roster can include up to 28 players until two days prior to the start of the regular season when the active roster must be trimmed to 22. The eighth season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins on Thursday, May 21st in Joplin, with the home opener against the Winnipeg Goldeyes taking place on Tuesday, May 26th. For information on season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Wingnuts main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com .
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 Wichita Wingnuts Catcher Brent Dean |
 Wichita Wingnuts Catcher Brent Dean |
American Association Stories from April 6, 2015
- Backstop Dean Re-Signs for 2015 - Wichita Wingnuts
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