Class of 1984.  Dean earned 4 varsity letters in football and baseball. He was selected 2nd team All Conference in football in 1983. He was 1st team All Conference in baseball as a Designated Hitter and Pitcher in 1984, and received All State recognition as a pitcher in 1984 as well.

He attended the College of the Siskiyous where he was a two year letterman in baseball receiving the Wilson Scholar Award in 1986.

He attended Fresno State where he lettered in baseball

He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Portland State in 1990.

Dean signed with the Houston Astros in 1987 and played in their farm system nine years. In 1988 he threw a no hitter in the South Atlantic League; 1989 threw his 2nd no hitter in the Florida State League; in 1992 played in the AA All Star Game; in 1995 pitched at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs; in July 1995 won his first major league game against the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1996 became a member of the Atlanta Braves and was a member of the National League Championship team. He pitched for Atlanta against the New York Yankees in the 1996 World Series.