Week two of "Rounding the Bases" features the final two transfers, Jared Gaynor and Chris Payne.

Gaynor comes to Mason from South Mountain Community College a season after leading the Cougars in wins with nine. He also finished third in the conference in wins, first in innings pitched (102.33) and third in strikeouts (77).

Payne was most recently a member of the Shepherd University Rams, which claimed a WVIAC Title and advanced to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Baseball Regionals last season.

Be sure to check back next week as we meet two more new faces to the Mason baseball team.

Name: Jared Gaynor
Year in School: Junior
Previous College: South Mountain Community College
Position: Pitcher
Bats/Throws: L/L

-What attracted you to Mason?
I chose George Mason because I felt it was a great place for me to advance in my academics as well as in baseball. The of business and kinesiology programs here at Mason are well respected so when you put that together with a good baseball program it was a no doubter for me. It has always been a goal of mine to play Division 1 baseball and I have that opportunity here. Mason has historically been very successful and I am here with the hope to help the team go even further and win a conference championship and beyond!

-What is your favorite thing about playing baseball?
The one on one battle between the pitcher and hitter.

-What baseball memory stands out the most for you?
Striking out 20 batters in a game my senior year.

Quick Facts
-Who are your favorite sports teams?
Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Patriots

-Who is your favorite baseball player?
Jon Lester

-If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Tom Glavine because his style of pitching is very similar to mine and he was very successful in his career. So I would just like to pick his brain on pitching.

-What is your favorite quote/saying?
"One of the beautiful things about baseball is that every once in a while you come into a situation where you want to, and where you have to, reach down and prove something."
-Nolan Ryan

-Goals for the upcoming season...
To earn a spot in the starting rotation and to help the team win conference and go as far as we can!

Name: Chris Payne
Year in School: Sophomore
Previous College: Shepherd University
Position: Pitcher
Bats/Throws: R/R

-What attracted you to Mason?
I was attracted to Mason because I've always wanted to play D I baseball, and it seemed like the perfect school for me. First of all, Mason very well-known academically, and I saw that last year they had a very successful season. Also, it's only about an hour away from home. Since I'm a home-body, I still get to go home on weekends to see family and friends.

-What is your favorite thing about playing baseball?
The feeling I get when I'm on the mound and everything seems like it's going my way.

-What baseball memory stands out the most for you?
My favorite baseball memory was getting my 20th win in high school at states in the championship game.

Quick Facts
-What is the last song you played on your iPod?
1980-rehab

-Who is your favorite baseball player?
Tim Lincecum

-Name one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you...
I played college golf for a year before deciding to pursue baseball again.

-Do you have any superstitions?
I've done the same pre-game routine for two years to the throw and stretch. I've also worn a cancer wrist bracelet made for my cousin-in-law in every game since my senior year in high school.