Mason Whitworth finalized his college plans earlier this month. The 2026 Central Valley High School graduate will further his education and continue his baseball career at Stanislaus State.
“I’ve always wanted to play at the college level,” Whitworth said. “It’s a goal I set when I was younger. I’m glad I achieved it.”
Whitworth decided to become a Warrior on July 1.
He signed and submitted his national letter of intent via email.
Whitworth visited the Turlock college on June 27.
“Stanislaus State is the school I wanted to go to the most,” he said. “It’s close to home. It’s only 15 minutes away. I like the campus. The school is really nice. They have a good baseball program. One of my former teammates (Chris Garcia) and coaches (Alexis Solis) went there. My parents will be able to go to most of my games.”
Whitworth earned a baseball scholarship to NCAA Division-II Stanislaus State after setting a handful of individual team records while leading Central Valley’s baseball program to new heights.
“It’s a good feeling,” he said. “I worked hard from freshman to senior year. I grinded all four years.”
Whitworth added to his already-impressive baseball resume this past spring by being voted Most Valuable Player of the Western Athletic Conference.
The standout shortstop/hitter became just the fourth Central Valley player in program history to be named league MVP.
He followed in the footsteps of Chris Garcia (2025), Gabrial Lopez (2021) and Ruben Casas (2013).
“He (Whitworth) was our most consistent and clutch hitter throughout the year,” Hawks’ head coach Brad Bussard said. “He really set the tone for us.”
Whitworth batted .419 from the plate on the season with two triples, three doubles, 22 RBIs, 38 runs and nine stolen bases.
He had on-base, slugging and on-base plus slugging percentages of .508, .500 and 1.008.
He ranked first on the team in games played, at-bats, hits, runs and on-base percentage, second in batting average, triples, RBIs and stolen bases, third in slugging percentage and on-base plus slugging percentage, and fourth in doubles.
He struck out just twice in 98 at-bats.
“He took a huge jump from sophomore to junior year,” Bussard said. “Senior year, we expected that. He works hard in the weight room and at practice. He puts in work outside of school.”
A three-year varsity contributor, Whitworth was named the WAC’s Offensive Player of the Year as a junior.
He was a Central California Conference honorable-mention selection sophomore year.
Whitworth had a batting average of .374 with two triples, 12 doubles, 49 RBIs, 90 runs and 29 stolen bases in 89 career games.
He’ll be remembered as one of Central Valley’s greatest players.
Whitworth is the Hawks’ all-time career leader in batting average, hits, runs and on-base percentage.
He set single-season program records in plate appearances, hits and runs this year.
“I exceeded expectations,” Whitworth said. “I was an average player freshman year. Halfway through sophomore year, I became a key part of the offense. I stopped worrying about hitting for power and started working on contact. It made me see the ball a lot better.”
Whitworth’s teams at Central Valley also experienced success.
The Hawks enjoyed their best year to date in 2026.
Central Valley claimed its second straight WAC title in undefeated fashion (14-0).
The Hawks tied their single-season record for wins in a season (21).
Central Valley earned its first home playoff win and third postseason victory on the same day.
The Hawks had a combined record of 42-18 the past two years.
“We put in a lot of hard work,” Whitworth said.
Whitworth represented Central Valley’s baseball program for the final time at the 34th Modesto Sunrise Rotary All-Star Classic on June 13.
Whitworth helped lead Team Gold to a 10-5 victory over Team Blue at Modesto’s Woodmen Field.
He won the game’s Most Outstanding Player award in front of family and friends.
He batted 2-for-3 from the plate with two RBIs.
“It’s definitely very special,” said Whitworth, who batted leadoff and contributed at second base and shortstop. “When I heard my name get called, I was surprised. There’s a lot of talent out there. Being able to hold my own against all the great players was exciting. To me, it’s my proudest baseball achievement.”
Whitworth will be vying for playing time as a true freshman at Stanislaus State next spring.
The Warriors compiled a 22-26 overall record and finished seventh in the California Collegiate Athletic Association standings this past season.
Whitworth is determined to make a name for himself as a collegiate baseball player.
“College is a different level,” he said. “Nothing’s guaranteed. I have to keep grinding and play the game the right way.”
