TITLE: Honoring Brandon Belt of Nacogdoches for his accomplishments in Major League Baseball.

SUMMARY: Honoring Brandon Belt of Nacogdoches for his accomplishments in Major League Baseball.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Brandon Belt has enjoyed a successful start to his professional baseball career with the San Francisco Giants, and he is indeed deserving of recognition for his achievements on the diamond; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Nacogdoches, Mr. Belt graduated from Hudson High School, where he was a standout on the Hornets baseball squad; he played one season at San Jacinto College before transferring to The University of Texas at Austin, and he excelled for the Longhorns over the course of two years, earning all-conference honors and helping the team to qualify for the 2009 College World Series; and WHEREAS, Mr. Belt was selected by the Giants in the fifth round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft; he honed his skills in the minor leagues before making his major league debut on March 31, 2011, collecting a hit in his first at-bat; one of the highlights of his young career came later that same year when he recorded the final out of teammate Matt Cain's perfect game; and WHEREAS, Returning to action in 2012, this talented athlete played an instrumental role in the Giants' run to the postseason, compiling a.275 batting average, 7 home runs, and 56 runs batted in; after advancing through the playoffs, he and his teammates dominated the Detroit Tigers in the World Series; Mr. Belt made a key contribution by hitting an RBI triple to start the scoring in the game four victory that clinched the title for San Francisco; and WHEREAS, After a successful 2013 season in which he set new personal bests for home runs and runs batted in, Mr. Belt entered 2014 with high hopes; injuries limited his playing time during the regular season, but he returned to the lineup in time for the playoffs; he blasted a dramatic, 18th-inning home run to win game two of the Division Series against Washington, and his timely hitting in the Fall Classic versus the Kansas City Royals helped propel the Giants to their third World Series title in five years; and WHEREAS, With his hard work and exceptional ability, Brandon Belt has become an integral part of one of the most successful teams in the major leagues, and in so doing, he has furthered the Lone Star State's reputation for athletic excellence; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby honor Brandon Belt for his accomplishments in Major League Baseball and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Belt as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Clardy Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 120 was adopted by the House on February 19, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House