By: Drew Harris
2/24/15
(L-R ) Bradley Adams, Spencer’s Dad, Kristen Adams, sister, Joanna Adams, Spencer’s mom, Spencer Adams and White County Pitching Coach Russ Chapman
(Cleveland)- One of the best athletes in White County athletics history received the highest of honors in high school sports Monday night. Spencer Adams had his #12 baseball jersey retired before White County’s season opener against Jackson County at Warrior Field. Spencer, the son of Bradley and Joanna Adams, became one of the top pitching prospects in the state during his freshmen and sophomore seasons for the Warriors, and earned a scholarship offer from the University of Georgia.
In his last two seasons, Adams was not only regarded as a top prospect in the state, but in the country. He pitched a total 106.2 innings with a 1.24 earned run average and 149 strikeouts. He also led the Warriors to back to back playoff appearances.
Last June, the Chicago White Sox drafted Spencer in the 2nd round of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft. He reported to their short-season rookie league in Arizona. While there, Adams had a 3-3 record and struck out 59 batters in 41.2 innings.
With family, friends, and former coaches on hand Monday night, the Warrior baseball program retired Spencer’s number 12 jersey. New head baseball coach J. Wright conducted the ceremony in the middle of the diamond, then he handed over the mic to Spencer. He addressed the White County faithful and thanked them for all the support he had received in his career as a Warrior. Spencer also thanked former head coach John Brown and presented him with an engraved baseball bat.
“It was a great honor. It brought back a lot of great memories to be back out on that field,” Adams said. “Thanks to everybody who was here to support me.”
Spencer will fly out to Arizona on Tuesday to start spring training. Early indications are that he will start out the season with the White Sox Low-A affiliate in Kannapolis , North Carolina.
