Midland's Jordan Dean Drafted By Tigers

Jordan Dean: 15th round selection of the Detroit Tigers

Central Michigan's Jordan Dean was drafted in the 15th round of the Major League Baseball draft Tuesday by the Detroit Tigers. Dean is a shortstop from Midland Bullock Creek who is in his junior year for the Chippewas. Dean said he was "overwhelmed and excited" to hear his name on day two of the draft, "I didn't receive a phone call beforehand, I was listening to the draft broadcast on the porch and all of a sudden we heard my name".

For Dean, getting drafted on day two shouldn't come as much surprise as he was in the top ten of NCAA Division 1 with 96 hits on the season, which is second most all-time in Central Michigan history. Dean finished 11th in the country with 60 runs, while hitting .360 with seven home runs. Dean led the team in slugging percentage at .508 and stolen bases with nine.

Since Dean is only a junior he will have to make a decision in regards to jumping to professional or finishing school and playing his senior year. I'm sure the Chippewas would be relieved to have one of the best hitters in their history to come back and play for one more year. Knowing Dean personally, I look forward to watching him play against the Great Lakes Loons in a West Michigan Whitecaps Uniform and moving up in Detroit's farm system and hopefully someday fielding ground balls at shortstop and hitting gap shots at Comerica Park sporting the old english D on his hat.