Gradney kicks off summer ball experience with hot start

By Myra Miller on Wednesday, June 10, 2026
  • “Lil Marcus” Gradney was delivered to Hutchinson, Kansas, by his family on May 25, where he will be playing baseball all summer for the Monarchs. The Gradneys were able to meet Marcus’ host family, “who are great people”, said his mother, Jill. “We pray Marcus has a great experience while we will be cheering for him 700 miles away,” she said.
    “Lil Marcus” Gradney was delivered to Hutchinson, Kansas, by his family on May 25, where he will be playing baseball all summer for the Monarchs. The Gradneys were able to meet Marcus’ host family, “who are great people”, said his mother, Jill. “We pray Marcus has a great experience while we will be cheering for him 700 miles away,” she said.

    By Rhett Manuel Sports Editor St. Ed's alum and LSU-Eunice redshirt freshman Marcus Gradney continues to make the most of his summer in Kansas playing for the Hutchinson Monarchs. After a successful high school career, Gradney transitioned to LSUE this past season where he took a redshirt to acclimate to college's level of competition. All the while, he learned what winning looked like at a hi…