Bringing the thunder: Rams' Ellison commits to NMJC T-Birds

RIO RANCHO — “You might not get the results you want right away, but if you keep working at it, it’ll come.”

Rio Rancho baseball senior Dean Ellison told the Observer, just days after some of those aforementioned results showed up for the outfielder/pitcher.

On Oct. 18, Ellison announced that he would be continuing his baseball career at New Mexico Junior College, located down in Hobbs.

“I decided that Hobbs is a good place for development, and I fell in love with the coaches and the facilities there. Their conference is good,” Ellison said. “So I decided that’s the place where I want to be.”

Development was the name of the game for Ellison’s decision, deciding through a plethora of schools. Staying in-state, going out-of-state, division one or elsewhere.

Getting hurt in last year’s high school season as a junior, the Rio Rancho lefty is looking at the bigger picture.

“I think as long as I can develop and stay healthy,” Ellison said. “I definitely want to play at the next level, whether it be Division I or professional. Either way, as long as I get to play the game as long as I can.”

The work doesn’t stop for Dean, playing this summer and fall with the Albuquerque Baseball Academy on top of preparing for the school season. Need a visual for his dedication? He answered the Observer’s call from a workout facility.

But while the grind never stops, Ellison says the college commitment felt rewarding.

“It’s definitely rewarding, because all the hard work you’ve put into it, it just shows, and a bunch of people are proud of you and want to congratulate you,” Ellison said. “So, it’s nice getting that satisfaction and sort of stress relief, but it’s not the end result.”

That hard work has been apparent, not just via his future commitments, but on the diamond for Rio Rancho. Ellison earned NMAA all-state second team honors as a designated hitter this past July for the Rams.

“Just put in the work every day,” Ellison said. “Just 1% better each day. Respecting your coaches, listening to them. Just being a coachable player and it shows when you put in the work.”

Before he makes his way to southwest New Mexico with the Thunderbirds, Ellison is looking forward to one last ride with the Rams.

“Just playing with my friends one last time. Not all of us are going to play college baseball, so this could be my last time playing with them,” Ellison said. “I want to win a lot with them, hopefully get a state championship. And then the road trips, memories for a lifetime. It’ll be exciting.”

Rio Rancho baseball will open up its baseball season on Feb. 28, 2026, on the road against Eldorado.