Bean, a catcher from Albany, Ohio, batted .409 as a senior at Alexander High School as he compiled eight doubles, three triples, three home runs, seven stolen bases, 21 RBI, and 31 runs scored in 21 games. He was a three-time Tri-Valley Conference First Team selection and was the TVC Defensive Most Valuable Player as a junior. He was also a two-time All-District First Team pick as well as being his team’s Defensive Most Valuable Player for three years.

"We were able to have Cory in for a couple of workouts last year and he impressed us with his work ethic and desire to learn,” said MVNU head coach Keith Veale, who has posted a 602-289 record in 18 seasons at the helm of the Cougars. "He is a solid receiver and our pitchers enjoyed throwing to him. He demonstrates outstanding leadership potential which is a real plus from the catching position.”

In addition to playing baseball at Alexander, Bean has been a standout in the classroom as he was named to the National Honor Society, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, and the National Society of High School Scholars. He graduated with the Award of Merit and received the U.S. Achievement/National Science Merit Award, and he has been involved with Pep Club, Yearbook, and Spanish Club. He is also active in the Albany United Methodist Church. In addition, Bean has played baseball for the Athens Legion Post 21 team and on the USA Team at the Chranti Goodwill Games in Italy.

"Ever since I stepped foot onto campus for the first time, I knew this was the place for me,” said Bean of his college choice. "I chose MVNU because I felt comfortable and at home with the people and surroundings. The decision was an easy one for me. They have the major I have in mind and offer great academics and social life. The baseball tradition has a great tradition that I wanted to be a part of. The coaching staff and players are tremendous people who I look forward to getting to know and learn from. I love what MVNU has to offer spiritually as well. All in all, this is the perfect fit for me, and it’s far enough but not too far from home.”

MVNU is an NAIA school that competes in the American Mideast Conference. The Cougars captured a share of the AMC South Division title in 2007 - the program’s 12th conference title - and advanced to the NAIA Region IX Tournament championship game for the eighth straight year as the team finished with a 38-16 overall mark. Over the years, MVNU has had 13 players drafted by Major League teams including Tim Belcher, who was the top pick overall in the 1983 draft. Six other former players have signed free agent contracts to play professional baseball.