Texas Rangers: A Tribute to the legendary, one of a kind, Adrian Beltre

Texas Rangers legend, Adrian Beltre, has officially retired. We reflect on his incredible talent and the many great memories he left his massive following.

It has happened. Texas Rangers all-time, future Hall of Fame third baseman, Adrian Beltre, has officially retired from Major League Baseball. Deep down, we all knew this decision was coming, but none of us wanted to believe it. Now, the decision is set in stone and us long time Beltre fans are left only with memories of his stellar play, his hilarious antics, his incredible leadership, his remarkable determination and his true selflessness.

It’s amazing to think that some of Adrian Beltre’s characteristics and qualities actually outshine all that he accomplished statistically. In his 21-year career, Beltre made four All-Star appearances (seems a bit low to me), earned five Gold Glove awards, two Platinum Glove awards, and four Silver Slugger awards. He also reached two World Series, was the home run champ in 2004, and ranked in the top seven in MVP voting five times.

If you want to compare him to every Major League Baseball player in history, check out his all-time ranks…

All-Time Ranks

Hits: 15th (3,166)

Home Runs: 30th (477)

RBI: 21st (1,707)

Doubles: 11th (636)

Games Played: 14th (2,933)

All-Time by Position…

Hits: 1st

Home Runs: 3rd

RBI: 1st

Doubles: 2nd

Games Played: 1st

Yeah…first ballet Hall of Famer without a doubt.

No one ever took for granted how incredible of a player Adrian Beltre was. He is arguably the best to ever put on a Texas Rangers’ uniform, and without argument, he is the most entertaining player in the franchise’s history.

Five years from now, when we think back on Beltre’s playing days, it won’t be a particular hit or play that comes to mind. Rather, it will be one of his many bits, or antics, displayed on the field or in the clubhouse.

That’s how special of a player Adrian Beltre was…all of those colossal numbers he put up, yet that’s only part of what he’ll be remembered for.

He’ll also be remembered for…

-Sarcastically shoving his teammates away as they attempted to touch his bare head; turning around fiercely and staring down the player who successfully made contact as that player ran away (usually Elvis Andrus).

-His happy feet in the batter’s box anytime a pitcher threw one a little too far inside.

-His constant playful banter with anyone and everyone throughout a given game. Of course, no playful banter comes more clearly to mind than what Beltre displayed with Seattle Mariners’ star, Felix Hernandez.

–Moving the on-deck circle towards home plate when grumpy Joe West demanded Beltre go warm up where the circle was initially settled. Veteran umpire vs. future Hall of Fame third baseman…future Hall of Fame third baseman wins that one every time (even though Beltre got tossed from the game).

–Sarcastically yelling at Elvis Andrus every time Andrus called him off to field an infield pop up.

-His 3,000th hit celebration at Globe Life Park when banners were unveiled on the right center field wall and the center field grandstand, and his kids came running out from right field to congratulate their dad.

-The many ovations he received in the closing games of his career, not only from fans, but players too.

-His vintage barehand pickups on slow rollers down the third base line, slinging the ball side arm to first base while on one leg. While Dirk Nowitzki has his famed fade away, Beltre has his bare-handed, off balanced hurls to first.

Please feel free to leave a comment if I left out any Adrian Beltre shenanigans or classic displays. This is a wonderful time for storytelling.

The man had style; he had swagger. And he was always smiling. In a game where players fail more than they succeed, break bats over thighs, slam helmets and water coolers, and constantly point fingers toward umpires, Beltre was always smiling. You just don’t see guys like him come through professional sports. He was, and still is, one of a kind.

Had circumstances been different, I’d probably be saving this Adrian Beltre tribute for another year. It just so happened his contract was up and the Texas Rangers were rebuilding. Had he been under contract for another year, or if the Rangers were in playoff shape, he’d likely be returning. Unfortunately, none of those things are the case.

It would not be the least bit surprising if Beltre made his retirement decision with the Texas Rangers at the forefront of his mind. He knows they are rebuilding and he knows Jurickson Profar will have a shot to play everyday at third base.

The last thing a class act like Adrian Beltre would want is to disrupt the progression of his beloved team. He wouldn’t want to take playing time away from a young player and he wouldn’t want to force management to find ways to keep his old self in the lineup.

It seems a selfless player has ended his career with a selfless move. As much as we wish he was returning for a 22nd big league season, we can once again admire yet another good decision made by one of the greatest human beings to ever play the game.

I understand this article may seem depressing, but don’t think we’ve seen the last of Adrian Beltre. His resume will get him any job he wants in Major League Baseball. Don’t’ be surprised if he someday becomes a manager or a member of a front office somewhere. We know for a fact he’ll be seen on stage at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in five years.