Record-Breaking Bulldog: Adams leaves lasting legacy

Mason Adams of Portageville, right, accepts the Boys Baseball Athlete of the Year award from keynote speaker Brian Jordan at the Semoball Awards, presented by Mercy, on July 12, 2024.

Bailey Bagot ~ Silver Landing Photography

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Humility is a hallmark of Mason Adams’ character, even in the face of extraordinary achievement.

The Portageville standout, recently named the 2024 Semoball Awards Baseball Player of the Year, is quick to credit others for his success.

“It meant a lot to me and honestly, being there for three years was a great experience,” Adams said. “The guys before me were talented and this just gives me some confidence going into college ball.”

Former Portageville High School baseball players Trey Benthal (left) and Mason Adams show off their 2023 Babe Ruth World Series championship rings, which they won last summer while playing for the Southeast Tropics, at a ceremony in January. Both players return to their summer club for the 2024 season.

Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com

Adams’ humility belies a career filled with remarkable accomplishments. The senior shortstop was the offensive catalyst for Portageville, leading the team in nearly every statistical category. He finished his senior season with a .404 batting average, 46 hits, six triples, two home runs, and 39 RBIs, earning him first-team All-State honors and the Bootheel Conference Player of the Year award.

His dominance extended far beyond his senior year, leaving Portageville as the MSHSAA career record holder for triples (20) and third all-time in hits (186).

Mercy is the presenting sponsor of the Semoball Awards, the area’s premier awards show recognizing student-athletes and coaches in Southeast Missouri.

He was also instrumental in leading Portageville to back-to-back state final-four appearances.

Portageville's Mason Adams (9) scores a run during an 8-4 win over West County in a MSHSAA Class Quarterfinal at Meatte Park in Portageville, Missouri on Thursday, May 25, 2023. 

Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“It’s great to be a state record holder,” Adams said. “ My mindset coming off the bat is three if it’s down the line or in the gap as I’m approaching second [base] if they haven’t started the throw to the cut I’m taking three. Coach always talks about making the opposing team make two perfect throws and it was just challenging them to do that.

“It shows the work and sacrifices I’ve made have paid off,” he continued. “It’s kind of crazy going from a kid who could only bunt for a hit when I was younger to holding a record in triples.”

Adams’ aggressive baserunning is just one facet of his well-rounded game. His ability to consistently find gaps and turn singles into extra-base hits has been a key factor in his success.

Mason Adams (9) and Carson Bradley (2) hug following Portageville's 3-1 win at Van Buren in the MSHSAA Class 2 Sectional Round on Monday, May 20, 2024.

D'Courtland Christian ~ Daily American Republic

“That’s the approach most of us hitters have is drive gaps,” he said. “Letting the ball get deep and throwing the hands. I was just lucky enough that they got down. Line drives are always what we strive for but if it doesn’t work out it happens sometimes due to baseball just being baseball.”

But Adams’ impact extends far beyond personal accolades. As he prepares for the next chapter of his baseball career at Mineral Area College, the Portageville standout hopes to be remembered not just for his stats, but for the teammate and role model he strived to be.

“I hope my teammates remember me as someone who always had their back, but also pushed them to be better every day,” Adams said. “I made great friendships at Portageville that’ll last forever. As for the community, I hope they remember me as a good person and someone they are okay with their kids looking up to.”

Mason Adams recently signed to continue his academic and athletic journey playing baseball at Mineral Area College.

Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Adams’ journey from a bunt-reliant youngster to a record-breaking star showcases the transformative power of dedication and perseverance. He wasn’t always the most naturally gifted athlete on the field, but his commitment to improvement set him apart.

“My drive for hard work started when I was young,” Adams concluded. “I was never the most athletic kid on my younger travel teams but I had a good attitude and that helped me get on to some pretty talented teams. Once I was around that environment I had to get better. I started taking some hitting lessons and really focusing on my defense. I started seeing progress and just kept at it since then.”

That relentless pursuit of improvement resonated not only in the record books but also in the hearts of those who witnessed it. Portageville coach Tyler Trover’s voice cracks with emotions when speaking of Adams.

“Adams is the definition of a game-changer,” Trover said. “He leads by example, pushing himself and his teammates to be better. That work ethic has elevated our entire program. He wasn’t just a star, he was the heart and soul of this team, and his impact will be felt long after he’s gone.”