FAIRFAX, VA. – Before the George Mason baseball game against William & Mary, the Mason community, family, and former teammates gathered today to honor the life of former George Mason baseball pitcher Sang Ho Baek.

Baek, a native of Salisbury, Md., passed away in June.  He was 20 years old. 

A White Dogwood Tree chosen by the family was planted near Spuhler Field with a plaque that will memorialize Baek as a member of the baseball team forever. The baseball team gathered around the tree for the pre-game ceremony as coaches and teammates reflected on the impact Sang Ho had with the Patriots. 

Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Brad Edwards opened the dedication ceremony.

"We are here today to honor and recognize the life of a special young man -- Sang Ho Baek," Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Brad Edwards said. "Sang embodied everything you would want from a student-athlete. He was an excellent student, a dedicated teammate, and a kind friend to so many."

George Mason President Gregory Washington spoke about how the White Dogwood tree and plaque will serve as a lasting tribute to Sang for all to see as they walk into Spuhler Stadium.

"This tree we dedicate today in Sang's memory will honor him for decades to come," said Mason President Dr. Gregory Washington. "His true legacy will be the love and joy and kindness he showed to so many here at Mason, especially these young men and coaches who were given the gift of being Sang's teammate."

Pitching coach and baseball alum Shawn Camp recruited Baek, delivering a heartfelt speech with a few stories about Sang's impact on him and his teammates. 

"Sang Ho had a love for the game of baseball, but it wasn't as important as his love for his teammates," said assistant coach Shawn Camp. "A very selfless person, he cared about everyone around him, and he always put his teammates first. His passion for the game, for being here at this university will never go unnoticed."

In his memory, the team wears a patch on the uniforms bearing his number, 44. 

"Sang is with us every day. We hang his uniform in the dugout for every game," added Camp.

Head Coach Bill Brown delivered quotes about Sang from his Patriot teammates. "I think it's powerful that his teammates, the guys he lived with and was around each and every day to let you know what we all know about Sang, that he was a very special young man." 

Sang's disposition is another quality that is at the forefront of former teammates' memories of Baek.

"Sang was one of a kind, always smiling always made you smile, and brought great positive energy everywhere he went," Brett Stallings.

Baek's parents Seong Han Baek and En Young Lee, along with his sister Sun Ho took part in the dedication ceremony, along with some friends of the family.

"My family would like to tell you how grateful we are for this remembrance ceremony for our beloved son, Sang Ho," said father Seong Han.  "I remember the day Sang stepped on this field in the summer of 2019.  Sang was leaning against the baseball fence looking at the empty field and said 'Dad, can you imagine me pitching on the mound two years from now?' Yes, two years later he made his dream come true on this field."

Sang's Teammates
"I remember how uplifting he was from the energy brought to the team to the fact there he was there all the time for us." -- Scott Morgan

"Sang was one of the most caring people I've ever met. He always had a smile on his face that I will never forget." -- Matt Henson

"He was a great teammate and friend. I will always remember how electric he was on the mound and how much he loved being on the field with his teammates." -- Danny Hosley

"Sang was the definition of a competitor. He always answered when his number was called, and he carried himself the right way no matter what the situation." -- Craig Miles Jr.

"When I think of Sang, I think of how he was a warrior free soul and how he always made the people around him a better person."  -- Jordan Smith

"There was nothing Sang loved more than showing up to the field each and every day. He had a positive attitude that lifted every single person, every single day." -- James Beasley

"He had the ability to put a smile on anyone's face, change anyone's mood, we would all be lucky to have half the heart that Sang did." -- Mason Posey

"I haven't met many people as selfless as Sang. He always put other's wants and needs before his own. As much as a great teammate Sang was, he was a better friend." -- Jared Lyons