George Mason pitcher dies after complications from Tommy John surgery

A pitcher for the George Mason University baseball team died after complications from Tommy John surgery, the school announced.

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Sang Ho Baek, 20, of Salisbury, died June 12 at Tidal Health Peninsula in Salisbury, Maryland, according to his obituary.

Baek, who completed his freshman season at the Virginia university this spring, had suffered injuries throughout the season and was scheduled for Tommy John surgery, WRC reported.

Tommy John surgery, named for the major league pitcher who underwent the revolutionary surgery in 1974 and rejuvenated his career, is ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. The surgery repairs a torn ligament in a player’s elbow.

“Sang was an incredible teammate who was loved by everyone associated with Mason baseball,” George Mason baseball coach Bill Brown said in a press release. “He will be missed and forever cherished in our hearts. Right now, our thoughts are with Sang’s family at this unbearably difficult time.”

“Sang embodied everything you would want from a student-athlete,” athletic director Brad Edwards said in the same news release. “He was an excellent student, dedicated teammate and friend to so many. We are committed to providing support and resources to Sang’s teammates and all those in the Mason family who loved him.”

Baek appeared in seven games for the Patriots during the 2021 season, making his college debut on March 12 against the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, WTTG reported.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Baek played for James M. Bennett High School in Salisbury and led the Clippers to the 2019 Class 3A Maryland state championship, the television station reported.

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