The George Mason University 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 July 20, Mason President Ángel Cabrera, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Brad Edwards, head baseball coach Bill Brown, former player Joe Anderson, BS Social Work ‘75, and junior outfielder Brady Acker participated in a groundbreaking to begin renovations to Spuhler Field.
Approximately $1.3 million has been raised for the renovations 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. “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 when built. The new additions in phase one of the renovations will include step-down dugouts with a protective fence and a brick backstop. “The Hap” last underwent an upgrade during the summer of 2010 when a new playing surface, drainage system and irrigation system were installed.
“I’ve been here through the whole process. I watched Spuhler Field be built from day one, so it’s very personal,” said Brown, who is entering his 36th year as the Patriots’ head coach. “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 added.
Anderson, who serves as chairman of the baseball renovation campaign committee, helped the Patriots win 139 games over four years from 1972 to 1975. His jersey number is one of just 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.”
“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.”
Read more about Mason baseball.
How to Give
If you are interested in adding your support to the Spuhler Field renovation, please contact Jennifer Montgomery with the Patriot Club at 703-993-3217 or jmontgo@gmu.edu.
July 21, 2016 / Adapted from original release courtesy of George Mason Athletics.
