FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason baseball team will begin a new chapter in the program's history when the first pitch is thrown at Spuhler Field for the 2017 season.
On Wednesday, George Mason President Dr. Ángel Cabrera, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Brad Edwards, head baseball coach Bill Brown, alumnus Joe Anderson and current outfielder Brady Acker participated in the groundbreaking to begin renovations to Spuhler Field.
The new additions in phase one of the renovations will include step-down dugouts with a protective fence and a brick backstop. Approximately $1.3 million was raised through the generous donations of alumni, friends and corporations.
“I'd like to thank the baseball alumni and our friends of baseball who have supported this project,” Cabrera said. “Due to the generosity, commitment and hard work of everyone involved, we will be able to make significant improvements to Spuhler Field. The coaching staff, student-athletes and the Mason fans will benefit and enjoy the field enhancements for years to come.”
Since 1986, the Patriots have taken the diamond at Raymond H. “Hap” Spuhler Field. Named after the program's first head coach, it was one of the top collegiate baseball complexes in the Mid-Atlantic Region when built. “The Hap” last underwent an upgrade during the summer of 2010 when a new playing surface, drainage system and irrigation system were installed.
“This is an exciting day and a real testament to the generous support and commitment of our donors and alumni,” said Edwards. “It is also a strong statement of the shared vision we all have for the future of Mason baseball and for building on the terrific history that exists here in that sport.”
Brown is set to enter his 36th year as the head coach of the Patriots and his 40th year overall at Mason. He will begin the season just 29 wins shy of 1,000 for his career.
“I've been here through the whole process. I watched Spuhler Field be built from day one, so it's very personal,” said Brown. “I've spent a lot of time on that field and in that dugout on the third base line and this is a great step for our program.”
Brown, who has guided the Patriots to seven NCAA Tournament appearances, led Mason to the Atlantic 10 Conference championship in their inaugural season in the conference in 2014.
“It takes a whole host of people for something like this to happen and it takes incredible support from the administration of the university and the athletic department,” Brown said of the renovations. “Brad Edwards has been fabulous in making this a reality and it was a priority for him. One of the first things that Brad and I spoke about was doing something to get moving with Spuhler Field.”
Anderson, who serves as the chairman of the baseball renovation campaign committee, was part of successful teams during his career at Mason. From 1972-75, he helped the Patriots win 139 games over four years and his jersey number is one of three to hang on the outfield wall at Spuhler Field.
“I think with the school administration that we have currently, their focus has really shown in academics and athletics,” Anderson said. “We had a committee that worked hard to support that. As a result the alumni really got involved and assisted in making this a reality.”
A new season is off in the distance and coach Brown is looking ahead to what is on the horizon for the Mason baseball program.
“The most important people to thank are the alumni and those who have generously supported this program over the course of many years,” Brown said. “It will be a totally different experience for both our fans and players to come to Spuhler Field. It will have a professional look and be an exciting place for our student-athletes and fans to experience Mason baseball.”
If you are interested in supporting this project, please contact Jennifer Montgomery with the Patriot Club at 703-993-3217 or jmontgo@gmu.edu.
