Nick Dean, Bensalem Class of 2019, was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 19th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. The right-handed pitcher, who recently completed an impressive career at the University of Maryland, was selected 566th overall.
At Maryland, Dean wasted no time getting on the mound. His first year, the Terrapins had a shortened season due to COVID, but Dean still made four appearances to record 23 strikeouts. Throughout his career, he became a go-to starter. In his senior season, he racked up 77 strikeouts in 74.2 innings pitched.
Before Dean made it to College Park, he helped the Bensalem Owls achieve outstanding accomplishments. Throughout his four years at Bensalem, Dean was a part of teams that won suburban and district championships. In 2018 the Owls made it to the state championship but fell short.
Longtime Bensalem High School baseball coach, Harry Daut, could not be happier for his former player. “This is the first Bensalem player I’ve coached to get drafted, and it’s just awesome,” said Daut. He remembered watching Dean play Little League at 10 years old and knew he would be an exceptional player. “When he came to Bensalem, he really took off,” said Daut. “He hit his growth spurt in ninth or 10th grade and went from being on the smaller side to 6-foot-3 almost overnight.”
“He had a presence as soon as he walked on the field due to his height,” said Daut. “He just looks like and acts like a baseball player,” Daut explained that Dean was not your typical outspoken team captain. “He was super, super quiet. He talked a little bit more his senior year, but he never said much, if anything. He really lets his talent speak for itself.” Daut described him as a “workhorse” who never stopped trying to improve.
Daut also shared details about Dean that his newer fans don’t know about him. “Nick was probably the best hitter I’ve ever had at Bensalem,” said Daut. “He could have been a D1 hitter if he really wanted to. He could put the ball in the gap and hit a couple of home runs, but no matter what, he always hit the ball hard in high school.” The MLB-bound superstar pitcher finished his high school career with a .524 batting average senior year.
“The sky is the limit for this kid,” said Daut. “He has a lot of natural ability but works really hard at it too. So, he has two things going really well for him.” He can’t wait to follow Dean’s professional journey.
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