‘Legacy of excellence.’ Hall of fame, record-setting Macon baseball coach dies.
A private school in Macon is mourning the loss of one of its most influential coaches who shaped the school’s legacy, the school said.
Elton “Bubber” Adams, a Macon native and longtime Stratford Academy baseball coach, died at his home on Friday, following an extended illness, according to his online obituary. He was 80.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, at the Macon Memorial Park Cemetery.
Adams coached at Stratford for more than 30 years, earning Coach of the Year honors seven times from the Georgia Independent School Association and four times from the Macon Telegraph, the obituary says.
“At the time of his retirement, his record of 543 wins was the most ever recorded by a baseball coach in Bibb County,” Adams’ obituary says. “He holds a position of honor in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.”
Beyond his championships, Adams was known as a mentor and friend to generations of Stratford students and colleagues, according to the school.
On Saturday, Stratford Academy released a statement on Facebook extending condolences to Adams’ family.
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Coach Bubber Adams. Coach Adams’ impact on Stratford Academy is immeasurable,” the school wrote. “Over five decades, he served as a baseball coach, Director of Alumni Affairs, mentor and friend to generations of Eagles, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, leadership and love for the Stratford community.”
During his tenure, Stratford said Adams saw 36 of his players earn college scholarships and six drafted into an MLB organization. He was inducted into both the Stratford Athletic Hall of Fame and the Macon Sports Hall of Fame.
“His influence reached far beyond the baseball field, shaping the character and spirit of countless students and colleagues,” the school stated.
After retiring as coach, Adams continued to work at Stratford Academy as director of alumni affairs. In 2012, to mark 50 years of service and following his full retirement, Stratford renamed its baseball facility the “Bubber Adams Baseball Complex” in his honor.
Adams was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Cecil George Bush. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Adams, of 41 years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Stratford Academy Baseball Program, 6010 Peake Road, Macon, GA 31210, or Family Hospice, 4562 Forsyth Road, Suite 4, Macon, GA 31210.