KU Baseball memorializes Stephen Hood in doubleheader vs. Mansfield

Head coach reflects on Hood’s lasting impact

By Tommy Scuderi

Over winter break, KU baseball lost beloved sophomore Stephen Hood in a car accident on Dec. 23. Head coach Eric Folmar reflected on Hood’s impact.

“Stephen was an incredible young man who meant so much to our program at KU,” Folmar said. “He was deeply loved by his teammates, and he earned that respect every day through his character, work ethic and the way he cared for others.”

Folmar said Hood’s presence on the team will be missed.

“He was a great person and an even greater teammate, someone who lifted those around him and represented our team with pride,” Folmar said. “His presence will be greatly missed, both on the field and off, and the impact he had on our program and our lives will never be forgotten.”

In honor of Hood, KU baseball added an “SH” patch to its jerseys, ensuring his presence remains with the team for years to come. The team also renamed its bullpen “Hoody’s Bullpen” and installed a bench in his honor.

The Mansfield home series on Saturday, March 28, was chosen for the memorial game so that Brad Hood, a redshirt sophomore for the Mountaineers and Stephen’s brother, could attend. Both teams, along with the Hood family, honored Stephen with a moment of silence and a ceremonial first pitch from Brad and Stephen’s father, Ron Hood. The family was then presented with Stephen’s framed jersey.

Hood’s memory will live on in the Golden Bears program.