Joshua Dean
Josh Dean was an Australian Baseball League all star first baseman playing for the Sydney Blue Sox.[1] Up until his 2019 retirement, Dean played in every season of the new ABL and earned a reputation of making pitchers fight when he was at the plate. [2]
Joshua Dean | |||
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Sydney Blue Sox – No. 14 | |||
Corner Infielder | |||
Born: Warilla, New South Wales, Australia | 24 December 1986|||
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Career statistics | |||
Batting average | .283 | ||
On Base Percentage | .368 | ||
RBI | 82 | ||
Base on Balls | 79 |
Career
Dean was previously with the Minnesota Twins Minor League organisation.[3] Dean hit a career high .340 average in his debut season (2005) but could not capitalise in later years. [4]
Dean is well known around the league for his immaculate beard. Fans of the ABL have voted Dean "first team all beard" and "all beard MVP". Dean was a much loved character and baseballer of all of Sydney's fanbase.
Dean garnered a cult like status north of the border where a group of dedicated Brisbane Bandits fans (colloquially known as the 'Deans-landers') attended each Sydney match to encourage him to switch allegiances and join the team. Thus far their efforts have not bore any fruit.
Retirement & Proposed Knighthood
After announcing his retirement in November 2019, there has been a push from his fanbase for Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to reinstate knighthoods and honour Dean with the title.
References
- http://web.theabl.com.au/player/index.jsp?sid=t4069&player_id=455702#/career/R/hitting/2014/ABL
- http://web.theabl.com.au/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_bat&lid=595&sid=l595
- http://henningsbaseballmusings.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/q-with-joshua-dean.html
- http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=455702#/career/R/hitting/2006/ALL