The Alabama Senate has awarded Baltimore Orioles star Gunnar Henderson the American League's Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award.

Congratulations to Selma native Gunnar Henderson on being named American League Rookie of the Year. While he was playing for the Baltimore Orioles, he led all rookies in home runs, triples, RBIs, and runs scored. Good luck, Gunnar. Alabama is rooting for you. pic.twitter.com/IfSMCU0O8C

— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) February 8, 2024

Sen. Greg Reed even extended Henderson an invitation to join the Alabama State Senate softball team, which Reed says has a big game against the House coming up.

Senate honors Selma native; @G_Henderson2, for winning the Jackie Robinson American League Rookie of the Year Award. You represented your home state well and we are so proud of your success. We have a softball game against the House of Representatives on March 20th, can I borrow him? @Orioles? pic.twitter.com/f4AAUE0KIf

— Senator Greg Reed (@SenatorGregReed) February 9, 2024

“If you wanted, I'd draft you to be a part of our softball team,” Reid joked.

“Thank you for being here today, thank you to the families for being a part of this, you did a great job. Thank you for being a great ambassador for the state of Alabama,” Reed told Henderson. .

Born in Montgomery and raised in Selma, Henderson had a phenomenal rookie year in Baltimore. He had a batting average of .256, 32 home runs, and 100 RBIs.

Although Baltimore lost in the first round to the eventual World Series champion Texas Rangers, Henderson was outstanding in the postseason with six hits and one home run in just 12 at-bats.

On June 11, Henderson hit a record-breaking 460-foot home run, making it the longest in Camden Yards history.

Henderson is one of the best young players in the sport and will continue to improve throughout his young career.

Michael Brauner is a senior sports analyst and contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP