HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO GRADY EMERSON

On 2026-09-03, Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO GRADY EMERSON" in the House.

HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO GRADY EMERSON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 140 (Thursday, September 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 140 (Thursday, September 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E860] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING TEXAS-24 HOMETOWN HERO GRADY EMERSON _____ HON. BETH VAN DUYNE of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, September 3, 2026 Ms. VAN DUYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our Texas-24 Hometown Hero, Fort Worth Christian's Grady Emerson, who was the second overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, selected by the Tampa Bay Rays. During an impressive senior season, he was named Gatorade National Player of the Year and Baseball America's High School Player of the Year, leading Fort Worth Christian to the TAPPS Division II state championship game. He became the fourth Dallas-Fort Worth area high school player selected in the top 10 of the MLB Draft this century. Additionally, he became the second high school player in the history of USA Baseball's Golden Spikes Award to be named a semifinalist, joining MLB superstar Bobby Witt, Jr. Grady Emerson also made history as the first player to compete on multiple USA Baseball 15U and 18U National Teams, earning three gold medals. Recognized for his exceptional hitting, athleticism, and overall skill, he is regarded as one of the top high school prospects in recent years I congratulate Grady. North Texas is cheering him on in his next chapter. ____________________