George Mason mourns pitcher who died after Tommy John surgery
An online fundraiser is ongoing to raise money for the family of Sang Ho Baek, a freshman pitcher at George Mason who died from complications following Tommy John surgery.
The GoFundMe page created in Baek's honor was nearing its $20,000 goal Saturday, with more than $18,500 raised.
Baek, 20, appeared in seven games for the Patriots and made his college debut on March 12 against UMBC. The 5-foot-9 right-hander gave up seven runs on 11 hits in 9 2/3 innings.
"We are devastated by the passing of Sang," George Mason head coach Bill Brown said. "Sang was an incredible teammate who was loved by everyone associated with Mason baseball. He will be missed and forever cherished in our hearts. Right now, our thoughts are with Sang's family at this unbearably difficult time."
Baek died suddenly June 12 after undergoing the surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching arm.
He graduated from James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury, Md., where he was part of the team that won the 2019 3A Maryland State Championship.
Funeral services will be held next Saturday in Salisbury. He is survived by his parents, Seong Han Baek and En Young Lee, and sister, Sun Ho Baek, as well as many relatives in his native South Korea.
--Field Level Media
