Robertson leads AU baseball during his fifth-year finale
By Shelbie Summerlin | Sports writer
In his recruitment process during his high school days at Wayne County High, Mason Robertson wasn’t originally committed to Augusta University.
“I had committed to Armstrong State,” said Robertson, a Jesup (Ga.) native. “And then Georgia Southern bought them out, so they disbanded their athletics, and that’s when I decided to come here [to AU].”
Robertson says he knew AU Coach Chris Howell very well before signing with the Jaguars.
“I liked Coach Howell from the start,” said Robertson. “He made me feel like he really wanted me to be here.”
His relationship with Howell has only become stronger since.
“Being my fifth year here, our relationship has grown a lot; we’re really close,” said Robertson. “He’s just the type of coach that makes you feel like you can talk to him about anything.”
Howell says Robertson has always caught the eyes of everyone around him.
“He was gritty, played the right way, played hard,” said Howell. “When you left the ball park, he was the one that stood out the most. He was a really, really good hitter, and he has been for us. He’s a good defender, and we’re glad to have him back at shortstop this year.”
Coming from a small town, Robertson wanted to get out and find something bigger and better. That also drew him into coming to Augusta University.
“I wanted to get away, but not too far away,” said Robertson.
In his experience at AU, Robertson says baseball has been an outlet for him.
“It’s tough,” he said. ‘It’s a lot doing workouts, practice, school, and everything, but it’s fun. I like it, and I like being around the guys. We are really close.”
When Robertson gets down or is in a slump, he reminds himself baseball’s just a game.
“I’m doing this because I enjoy it,” he said. “It’s fun. Don’t make it any more difficult than what it is. It’s just a fun game, and I love it.”
On coming back for his fifth year, Robertson said there was no doubt in his mind while making the decision.
“I knew right away,” said Robertson. “It’s a blessing, it’s an opportunity to keep playing the game that I love. Eventually, I’m gonna have to hang up the cleats, I know that, but I didn’t wanna give up baseball just yet.”
Robertson was going to be at AU anyway since he had one more semester to finish his degree, and he graduated in December. Robertson also saw it as an opportunity to start working toward his master’s degree this spring. Academics are a priority for Robertson, who last year was named to the Peach Bealt Conference’s Team of Academic Distinction.
According to Howell, Robertson’s fifth year is his “last dance,” and he’s very excited for Robertson’s last season.
“[I’m excited to] turn him loose. Let him go be a ball player. Let him compete, get in that lineup and do some damage, and finish a career that’s been really good.”
Robertson says he’s grateful for this last chance at being on the diamond.
“Overall, I’m just glad I’m able to play college baseball. It’s an opportunity that I’m blessed with and being able to graduate college and get my degree.”
Contact Shelbie Summerlin at ssummerlin@augusta.edu.
AU’s Mason Robertson (2) had 33 hits and 23 runs in 2021. He has 20 hits, 19 runs and four steals this spring for the Jaguars. (photos by Chris Rickerson)
