He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1982 to 1992 for the California Angels, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, and San Diego Padres.

Pettis won five Gold Glove Awards and finished in the top ten in stolen bases in the American League seven times.

During his career, Pettis consistently hit for low averages and was known for striking out often, but he performed extremely well on defense, earning five Gold Glove Awards.

He was noted for making many spectacular leaping or diving catches, depriving hitters of home runs or base hits, and was known in baseball circles as "The man who made center field look easy".

Dante plays wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints and set the NCAA record for most career punt return touchdowns while at the University of Washington.