HICKORY, N.C. - This past Sunday, the Atlanta Braves recognized and honored their Minor League Players and Pitchers of the year with an on field presentation at Suntrust Park. Former Bear standout Justin Dean was one of the honorees.
 
Justin was selected as the Rome Braves Player of the Year for 2019.  The Rome Braves are the Class-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.  Justin played in 109 games for the Braves hitting .284 with 9 HRs and 46 RBIs  He also led the South Atlantic League in triples (9) and stolen bases (47). His 47 stolen bases was an organization-high for the Braves at any level.
 
Before getting selected in the 17^th round in the 2018 MLB draft, Justin played three years with the Bears. He led the Bears in stolen bases all three years and finished his last year with a career-best .398 average, 6 HRs and 36 RBIs to help the Bears finish with a 27-22 record.
 
Justin continues to rise in the ranking as well. Baseball America came out with their midseason top prospect list and Justin has risen to #22 in the Top 30 Atlanta Braves prospects. Along with being #23 on the MLB Pipeline 2019 Prospect watch list for the Braves.