Nansemond River High School baseball standout Ben Grady will compete in the Virginia Commonwealth Games this weekend.

The rising junior was selected to play in the game and is excited to represent Suffolk and Nansemond River at Liberty University this weekend.

“I feel honored to play in the Commonwealth Games,” Grady said. “I think it’s a great opportunity to represent the 757 and Nansemond River. I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

There are four teams featured in the Commonwealth Games, and they are composed of the best 15- to 17-year-olds in Virginia. Major League scouts and college coaches attend the weekend as players get to play and work out in front of them. In the past couple of years, Suffolk has had at least one representative selected each year. Current and former MLB pro players such as Justin Verlander, David Wright, B.J. Upton and Justin Upton have all competed in the Virginia Commonwealth Games.

Grady has been preparing all summer for his opportunity, mostly by competing with his travel ball team. He also hits every night at Nansemond River with his brother, Clay, who also plays for the Warriors. With a good opportunity to get noticed in front of him, Grady just wants to go out and do his best.

“I am just looking forward to helping the East Region team win the tournament,” Grady said. “Hopefully, I can do that while also showcasing my skills to the college coaches that will be there.”

The rising junior will be featured with fellow standouts from the Hampton Roads area. He’s thankful for the opportunity and is hoping to get his name out there in front of the coaches and scouts.

Grady was an integral part to the success the Warriors were able to have last season. As a young squad, the Warriors were able to surprise some people by getting wins over some of the top teams in the area. Grady played third base and pitched a lot of games.

“Our team was young, but we had a really good season, so I’m looking forward to seeing how we progress going forward,” Grady said. “Personally, for me, I think I’m looking forward to a big season from myself. I want to help this team make the playoffs and make a run for a state championship next season.”