Adrian Beltre inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. - Texas Rangers great Adrian Beltre will join an elite club on Sunday afternoon: the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Beltre was a great player, but the third baseman became a fan favorite for more than just his play on the field.

That's not to understate his ability as a player.

In his 21-year career, Beltre compiled 3,166 career hits, 477 homers, five Gold Gloves and four Silver Slugger Awards.

The Dominican-born star played the sport with more joy than just about anyone else in the sport.

COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK - JULY 21: Inductee Adrian Beltre gives his speech during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center on July 21, 2024 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

In his speech on Sunday, Beltre talked about his feelings for the game.

"The best part was I loved it," Beltre said. "I loved baseball and I had so much fun playing the game."

Several of Beltre's former Rangers teammates made the trip to New York to show their support for Adrian.

Elvis Andrus, who Beltre called a "pain in my butt," Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz, Colby Lewis, Robinson Chirinos, Mitch Moreland and former Rangers general manager Jon Daniels were all in the crowd.

While Texas fans fondly remember his time with the Rangers, he didn't come to Arlington until he was 32 years old.

Beltre came to the Rangers in free agency the season after their magical run to the World Series in 2010. The third baseman was controversially replacing franchise stalwart Michael Young at the hot corner. 

"The reason I went to Texas was because they had a great team," Beltre said. "At that time, I wanted to be with a team that was going to give me a chance to get to the World Series. But after that, it grew to be more. They allowed me to be myself."

It didn't take long for fans to fall in love with Beltre as a player and person. He was named to the All-Star team, won a Gold Gove and Silver Slugger Award as he helped lead the Rangers back to the World Series in 2011. He stayed in a Texas uniform until he retired after the 2018 season.

Beltre was inducted into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame in 2021.

He returned to Arlington to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Game Two of the World Series in 2023 and participated in several activities at this year's All-Star Game.

Rangers fans fondly remember Beltre moving the on-deck circle, pointing to umps himself when he checked his swing, hitting bombs from one knee, the playful fights with shortstop Andrus and rival pitcher Felix Hernandez and his hatred for having his head touched.

His ability at the plate and in the field make him one of the best third baseman in MLB history.

Baseball writers agreed. Beltre was a near unanimous selection for the Hall, earning 95.1% of the vote, well above the 75 percent required to make the Hall of Fame.

Beltre was elected to the Hall in his first year of eligibility. He joins Nolan Ryan and Ivan Rodriguez as the only Rangers to go in on the first ballot.

Beltre is the just the 60th player ever to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

He is also the third Ranger, along with Ryan and Rodriguez, to be inducted wearing a Rangers cap.

This weekend, Beltre has gotten to connect with many other Hall of Famers, including Mike Schmidt, who considers Beltre the best third baseman of all time, and Johnny Bench who had some advice for Adrian.

"He reminded me to document what's going on, keep a journal because it is going to go so fast," said Beltre on Saturday.

In his career, the third baseman also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox.

Beltre was joined by catcher Joe Mauer and first baseman Todd Helton in the 2024 class. Former manager Jim Leyland was also inducted.