Nick Dean inducted into Hall of Fame

  • Nick Dean gets a hit while playing for Maryville College. He has been inducted into the Conference USA South Hall of Fame.
    Nick Dean gets a hit while playing for Maryville College. He has been inducted into the Conference USA South Hall of Fame.
  • Nick Dean takes the throw at second base on a pick-off attempt of Centre College’s Forrest Goodwin during the fourth inning.
    Nick Dean takes the throw at second base on a pick-off attempt of Centre College’s Forrest Goodwin during the fourth inning.
  • Nick Dean holds a host of records at Maryville College. He was twice named conference Player of the Year.
    Nick Dean holds a host of records at Maryville College. He was twice named conference Player of the Year.

    Former Fannin County High School athlete Nick Dean was recently inducted into the Conference USA South Hall of Fame’s 2023 class.

    Dean, who played college baseball for Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, from 2012 to 2015, made the All-USA South team three times and was named All Region two times. In 2014, Dean was the USA South Player of the Year and the following year, in 2015, he was named All American and the USA South Region Player of the Year. He is one of four baseball players in USA South history to be named Player of the Year twice.

    In 2014 and 2015, Dean led the USA South in batting average and slugging percentage, while also leading the conference in on-base percentage, hits, RBI, total bases, and assists. He is the current career leader at Maryville College for hits (247) and also holds records for season highs in hits (74), RBI’s (51), and slugging percentage (.526).

    In 2015, Dean was the first Maryville Scot to be selected in the modern-day Major League Baseball draft, when the Los Angeles Dodgers selected him in the 32nd round.

    “I enjoyed every minute at Maryville. I made some of my best memories there and best friends for life. I had so much support from friends, family, and the community as well. I had so many great people around me that had such a positive influence on me and contributed to my success while I was there. The coaching staff was incredible and the tradition we have is like no other. It’s an honor to be inducted into the USA South HOF. I’m extremely blessed and extremely humbled. It’s an honor to represent Maryville and my family in a positive way. I could thank a million different people who had a positive impact on my life and career but I couldn’t and wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my family. Especially my mom, dad, and wife. I am forever grateful for the love and support they have provided to me over the years.”

    Dean is now back in Fannin County, and is married to Logan O’Neal Dean, and they have three children: daughter Lennon, who is five years old, and two sons, Mack, who is three years old, and Asher, who is six months old. Dean also works as a firefighter in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and even coaches a rec tee-ball team, passing on the knowledge he has gathered from all of his years playing the great sport of baseball.