This week in "Rounding the Bases" we meet freshmen infielders Derek Evans and Brandon Gum, both natives of Virginia.

Evans comes to Mason from Haymarket, Va. and Battlefield High School, where he was a teammate with sophomore pitcher John Williams. He was named the team MVP both his junior and senior seasons.

Gum hails from Woodbridge, Va. and Woodbridge High School. He was an all-district shortstop as a junior and senior in addition to being named to the all-area team during his senior campaign.

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

Name: Derek Evans
Year in School: Freshman
Position: SS/2B
Bats/Throws: R/R
Nicknames: Diesel

-What attracted you to Mason?
I knew right away that the tradition and the coaching staff were what I was looking for in a baseball program.  The opportunity to play Division I baseball has always been a goal of mine, and George Mason is the right fit for me.  Our school's academic reputation was also a key factor when it came to deciding on where to go to college.  I am from Haymarket so Mason is close enough for me to see my friends and family, but also I have enough space to do my thing as well. 

-What is your favorite thing about playing baseball?
It's a stress reliever, my world within a world.

-What baseball memory stands out the most for you?
Making it to the state semifinals my junior year in high school.

Quick facts
-What is the last song you played on your iPod?
Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Big Sean

-Who is your favorite baseball player?
Derek Jeter

-What is your favorite food?
Steak

-Do you have any superstitions?
Yes, I always step on and off the field leading with my left foot, pick up dirt before I hit, my on deck circle routine

-The best advice I ever received was...
"Follow your dreams, they're driven from within."
-Michael Jordan

Name: Brandon Gum
Year In School: Freshman
Position: SS
Bat/Throw: R/R

-What attracted you to Mason?
I chose Mason because I knew that it was good academic school.  Also, playing for a Division 1 baseball program was always what I wanted to do so that was perfect for me.  The school being so close to home for me played a part in it too. I like that I can see my family and friends whenever I have a chance to. Going to Mason also allowed me to play with two former teammates from my showcase team, Tanner Love and Derek Evans.

-What is your favorite thing about playing baseball?
It takes my mind off everything that I'm dealing with and helps me cope with those things.

-What baseball memory stands out the most for you?
When I got to play in the State Championship in 2010.

Quick Facts
-Who are your favorite sports teams?
The Saints and the Mets

-Who is your favorite baseball player?
Jose Reyes

-What are some of your favorite things to do on your days off?
My favorite thing to do on my off days is skimboard.

-What is one place that you haven't traveled to which you would like to visit?
I would love to travel to Australia.

-What is your favorite quote/saying? "You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the damn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all"
-Earl Weaver