Deain signs contract with Orioles
Northern Illinois closer Andy Deain became the latest addition to Ed Mathey’s growing list of Huskies who have signed professional contracts on Monday. By signing with the Baltimore Orioles organization, Deain’s childhood dream came true after performing at a high level for five years at NIU.
“This feels great,” said a joyful Deain hours after completing the signing particulars at the Baltimore Orioles’ Spring Training facility in Sarasota, Fla. “Growing up, playing professional baseball is what I wanted to do. This is a great opportunity for me, I can’t explain it. This is my dream. It’s one of the best days of my life. You have no idea how happy I am to play pro ball.”
“It’s an exciting day for Andy,” said Mathey, who has now coached 22 Huskies that have signed professional contracts since 2003. “Any time we have someone sign a pro contract, it’s exciting for NIU baseball. Andy’s been in the program for five years and this would have happened last year, but the injury set him back. He worked hard to get back and had a good year for us. I’m excited for him.
“Andy, like a lot of the guys from NIU that are still playing professionally, was not drafted out of high school. That’s a good sign for NIU baseball because it shows that guys are coming here, improving and developing here, and going on to play professionally.”
What made the fifth-year senior’s dream come true was his outstanding career as a Huskie. Deain joins the Orioles after leaving his name etched in the NIU baseball record book. He ranks No. 1 all-time at NIU and in the Mid-American Conference in appearances (128). The 2008 second team All-MAC performer led the league in saves for two seasons, leaving with the program’s second most career saves total (23), which ranks eighth all-time in the MAC. Deain saved his best for last, finishing his senior season with a career-high 12 saves, the 11th highest total in the nation. Despite being a reliever for most of his career, Deain racked up 17 career wins, the fourth most all-time by a Huskie. Additionally, his 156 career strikeouts are the ninth-best total in program history.
With dominant statistics as a reliever in college, Deain will remain in the bullpen as an Oriole. In working his way to the Majors, Deain will serve as a right-handed specialist. While the role is not exactly what it was as a Huskie, it is not far off. According to Deain, though, he could not have reached the professional level by himself.
“The Orioles told me that I’m going to be a righty specialist,” said Deain. “Coach Mathey used me in similar situations, when I had to get right-handers out, so it won’t be too different.
“Coach Mathey has a huge network of connections and he’s always promoting his players. I know this would not be possible without him and coaches Ray Napientek, Steve Joslyn and Jason Smith. They have all been very good to me. Without all of their help, there’s no way I’d be where I am today.”
