Charleston, W.Va. – The University of Charleston Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Bren Stevens, announced the hiring of Dean Peterson as head coach of the baseball program today, July 14th. The former Boston Red Sox pitcher will be taking over at the helm of the Golden Eagle program that is coming off a 43-12 record in 2023.
"It is a true privilege to announce Dean Peterson as the next head baseball coach for the University of Charleston," said Stevens. "Dean's playing experience at the professional level, along with his work experience as an officer with the Secret Service and his leadership as a Pastor, simply makes him an incredible hire. It is my expectation that Coach Peterson will emphasize the importance of having an inclusive platform in which everyone feels valued and appreciated as part of the squad's ethos. Dean is incredibly talented as it pertains to teaching and refining skills, but more impressively, is how he has embraced the process of developing the entire student-athlete, which includes areas such as emotional intelligence, academic success, service to others, and program integrity. Under Dean's leadership, I would expect our baseball team to continue to enjoy success at the regional and national levels."
Peterson's journey to Charleston is anything short of interesting, ranging from his time with the Red Sox, his work in the US Secret Service, and his time as a Pastor; there is no denying Peterson has had a wide range of professions that will provide invaluable knowledge to draw from as he starts his career at Charleston.
"I cannot adequately express what an honor it is to be named the head coach at Charleston," stated Peterson. "I get to stand on the shoulders of giants who have established this program as one of the best in the country, and it is my honor to polish the rock and continue to elevate the expectations and the experience for our student-athletes. I view this as a sacred trust to serve our players, staff, alumni, and the University of Charleston community."
Peterson began his baseball journey as a student-athlete at Allegheny College, where he pitched for the Gators for three seasons. In his Junior season, Peterson was selected in the ninth round of the 1993 amateur draft by the Boston Red Sox. He spent five seasons in the Red Sox organization, where he competed with and against many future MLB players. Peterson finished his career with a 4.26 ERA across all levels. He struck out 308 batters in his 435.2 innings pitched in his five seasons played.
After Peterson retired from professional baseball, he returned to Allegheny College to complete his degree as well as share his knowledge with up-and-coming athletes. While Peterson's primary role as assistant coach consisted of developing the pitching staff, he also assisted the head coach in practice planning, recruiting, scouting, and game day preparation. In 2000, Peterson's staff posted an impressive 3.81 earned run average with a 38-10 overall record. While Peterson's efforts were focused on the success of the pitching staff, he also narrowed in on the academic success of the team. Peterson oversaw academic progress for the team as well as coordinated individual tutoring sessions for the at-risk players. Along with prioritizing academic success and career development, Peterson was dedicated to graduating with his own degree and completed his bachelor's degree in Political Science in May of 2001.
In 2002 Peterson set sail on a new career path. Dean became an officer and technician with the US Secret Service, where he served for eleven years. Peterson provided protection for the President, Vice President, and Foreign Dignitaries, along with conducting investigations of criminal activity. Peterson worked closely with the White House staff and leadership to facilitate safety and security for all entities that may have needed access to secured locations.
After his eleven years in the secret service, Peterson once again changed direction with his career and spent time as a pastor at Lifehouse Church in Maryland. In his three years at Lifehouse Church, Peterson provided counseling and teaching sessions for the community, along with training and hiring staff to advance the mission of their church. Peterson also returned to coaching during this time, working with the Smithsburg Baseball Club and eventually the Smithsburg High School team. From 2014-2019 Peterson served as a head coach for the club, and from 2018-2019 he served as an assistant for the high school baseball team. While in Smithsburg, Peterson was responsible for instructing players in fundamental baseball skills while developing relationships with players, coaches, and parents.
In August 2019, Peterson decided it was time to return to his roots and made his way back to Allegheny College. Dean served in the same capacity as his previous stint (1999-2002) during his final season with the Gators.
In September 2020, Peterson began working with the baseball program at Frostburg State University. Peterson has spent the last four seasons at FSU, where he served as an assistant coach and pitching coordinator. In his role, Peterson worked with the pitching staff, coordinating their yearly throwing and development plans along with developing a leadership curriculum for his athletes. Coach Peterson implemented new strategies to improve the mental game of the Bobcat players. In the 2023 season, Peterson led three athletes to All-Region recognition, two of whom were key members of the Frostburg pitching staff.
Peterson will take over with the Charleston squad immediately. "Dean is a man of the highest integrity. He will enhance the culture that Andrew Wright and Robbie Britt have laid before him as he continues to build great people and quality baseball players. Dean is a constant learner, a positive example, and a tireless worker. I would want my son around Dean as much as possible because I know he would not only develop him as a player but, more importantly, as a person. Charleston continues to bring on exceptional people. Dean Peterson fits the Golden Eagle's successful blueprint," said Trey Cobb (US Elite Head Coach) on the hiring.
