Mason Rainbolt’s passion for baseball runs deep. “I started playing when I was three years old, and I have never quit. I love this game,” he shared. Now a standout at Checotah High School, Mason’s dedication to the sport has shaped his journey as a student-athlete.
For Mason, family has played a big role in his success. “My brother Jim has always pushed me to be better and never let me give up when times got hard,” Mason said. That support from his brother has been instrumental in building his resilience and work ethic on and off the field.
Mason is excited about the unique chemistry his team brings to the field this year. “We have groups of brothers returning. We’ve all been friends and playing together since we were little. We have a special bond,” he explained. This camaraderie fuels their drive to succeed.
Versatility is one of Mason’s strengths. “I am the catcher and one of the starting pitchers. I also play every position but first base,” he said. His approach to preparation is all-encompassing: “I work hard on baseball every day and take every aspect of the game seriously. I do my best to make my guys better every single day.”
When asked about his goals for the season, Mason’s answer was clear: “I want to make it to the State Tournament.” His daily training reflects that determination. “Every day, I wake up at 5 a.m. and go lift. After class, I lift again. For practice, I start with bands and team warm-ups, then we go into catch play and situational drills. After practice, I stay and work on hitting.”
A highlight from last season still stands out in Mason’s mind. “My 14-strikeout game against Wagoner has to be the top!” he said.
Grateful for his support system, Mason said, “My family comes first above all, along with my coaches and every teammate I’ve ever had.” Looking ahead, he’s determined to play Division I baseball and pursue a National Championship.