FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Brad Edwards announced that Shawn Camp has been named head coach of the Mason baseball program.
 
"We are excited to name Shawn Camp as our new head baseball coach," Edwards said.  "Shawn is an energetic leader who we believe will continue to build upon the outstanding foundation created by his mentor Bill Brown.  Since joining Mason, Shawn has made an indelible mark on the program.  He has helped develop a culture of accountability while prioritizing achievement both on and off the field."   
 
"Shawn has been a tireless recruiter and has signed top-tier talent both locally and nationally.  As an alum, he is deeply committed to Mason and has showcased his Patriot pride throughout his time as a Major League Baseball player and as a collegiate coach.  His strong ties to the Northern Virginia baseball community and personal connections with our passionate alumni and supporters make him a natural fit to lead our baseball program." 
 
Camp, a Fairfax native, joined the Patriots as pitching coach before the 2020 season and was elevated to associate head coach prior to the 2022 season.
 
"I am proud to continue coaching at my Alma Mater," Camp said.  "I would like to thank Athletic Director Brad Edwards and the Search Committee for their vote of confidence and trust in me to lead George Mason Baseball into the next chapter of its program history.  George Mason University is rich in academic excellence and community service and excels at producing world-renowned leaders in business and life.  I look forward to continuing to be a part of one of the finest institutions in the country. My family and I are excited to remain a part of the University and I am ready to continue leading Mason baseball."
 
The Patriots finished the 2022 campaign with a 13-11 record in Atlantic 10 play and qualified for the A-10 Baseball Championship.  Mason went on to defeat Rhode Island, 7-3, in the opening round.
 
Under Camp's direction, pitcher Jared Lyons became the 47th player in program history drafted in the Major League Baseball Draft when he was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 14th round.
 
The baseball team produced off the field as well earning a 3.08 GPA for the 2021-22 academic year.  Ten players made the Dean's List and 19 student-athletes earned the A10 Commissioner's Award in Spring 2022.
 
Camp, a catcher in high school at James W. Robinson, Camp converted to a pitcher while at Mason and played for the Patriots from 1995 through 1997.  He was selected in the 16th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft by the San Diego Padres and played professionally from 1997-2014 for nine different organizations.  
 
Camp played 11 seasons in the majors with five clubs, appearing in 541 major league games for the Kansas City Royals, Tamps Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies.  He finished his career with a 29-33 record, 12 saves, and compiled 405 career strikeouts.  Camp led MLB with a career-high 80 appearances for the Cubs during the 2012 season. 
 
Camp ranks among the top 15 in Mason program history in numerous categories.  He holds the Mason record for strikeouts per nine innings (9.21), is tied for sixth in lowest opponent batting average (.258), and is tied for eighth in saves (7).  Camp also ranks ninth in Mason program history in both winning percentage (.636) and complete games (7), 12th in strikeouts (175), 14th in wins (15), and 15th in appearances (53).
 
The Shawn Camp Baseball Academy has developed numerous players who have gone on to play collegiately and professionally.