Adams ready to light up competition at Mineral Area

SIKESTON — Mason Adams finds strength in three things: his faith, his family, and his ability to crush a fastball.

Through these pillars, the Portageville High School senior exemplifies what it means to be a well-rounded athlete: skilled, determined, and grateful for the support that propels him forward.

This talented hitter’s recent signing with Mineral Area College solidifies his promising future in baseball. The decision was motivated by the welcoming atmosphere.

“The coaches were really welcoming,” Adams said. “They told us, ‘What we become is a reflection of the work we put in’. They allowed us to talk to some upperclassmen, who told us that if we wanted to play we had to work at it because everyone is good at this level.”

Mineral Area College, located in Park Hills, Missouri, is home to a competitive NJCAA Division I baseball program. Adams is drawn to the college’s proximity to home and its beautiful campus. He anticipates a positive environment to continue his development.

“It’s a safe distance from home,” he added. “It’s a nice campus, and I think it’ll be a good home for a couple of years.”

Adams’ impressive high school career backs up his potential at the collegiate level. He’s earned all-conference and all-district honors every year, even achieving all-state recognition during his sophomore and junior seasons. These achievements are even more remarkable considering he helped lead Portageville to back-to-back state final-four appearances. Building on his sophomore breakout, where he led the entire state in hits, he’s continued to excel at the plate.

Adams never questioned whether he had a cheering section. Win or lose, rain or shine, his family filled the stands. It wasn’t just about celebrating the highlights; they were there to lift him during the tough at-bats and the missed catches.“My family were the main ones that helped me fall in love with the game,” Adams said.

This close-knit support system undoubtedly fueled the determination he displayed after a challenging freshman sectional game.

“At the time, it was the biggest game I had played in, and I went 0-4 with four errors,” he said. “The hurt I felt was like no other and I never wanted to let my teammates down again.”

While the initial disappointment cut deep, he refused to let it define his trajectory. That painful experience ignited a relentless work ethic and a hunger for improvement that transformed his skills and propelled him forward.

Adams finds strength in his faith. It’s a core part of who he is, both as a player and a person.

“Baseball has its ups and downs,” he said. “Some days you feel unstoppable, others it’s a struggle. My faith, my belief in Jesus, is what keeps me steady through it all. He’s the best motivator and the best teammate I could ask for.”

Adams’ commitment to the team is as strong as his dedication to improvement.

“I always brought a good attitude and was a big cheerleader,” he said of his early playing days. “I feel like I do a good job of picking up one of our guys if he’s down and trying to set a good example for the younger classes.”

While focused on the present season, Adams looks forward to his collegiate career at Mineral Area. He’s not just aiming for playing time but has his sights set on becoming an all-conference contributor. With his work ethic and determination, his future looks bright – both on and off the field.

“My academic goals are simple,” he said. “I would like to learn the trade of an electrician and become certified at that then start making money.”

While the Portageville community celebrates Adams' next chapter, the impact of his dedication will resonate on the field for years to come. His tireless work ethic is ingrained in the program's culture.

"No. 9 has been the hardest-working kid since the day he walked through that door,” said Portageville coach Tyler Trover. “Watching him get strawberries for four years in practice, diving up the middle, working on the spectacular plays that everybody sees — It’s because he works so damn hard in practice every day.

“That has set the tone for this program for four years,” Trover continued. “He encompasses everything you could ever ask for in a student-athlete. He's been a cornerstone of what's led us to have a 94-19 record over the last three years and change. I don’t have enough adjectives to explain his importance to Portageville baseball."