Texas Rangers: Texas Sports Hall of Fame to Induct Adrian Beltre

The Texas Sports Hall of Fame has announced that former Texas Rangers star, Adrian Beltre, will headline the 2020 induction class.

Adrian Beltre continues to earn recognition and honors in his post-playing career after retiring from baseball with the Texas Rangers in 2018. Yesterday, it was announced that Beltre would be inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame located in Waco, Texas. He headlines this year’s class as he enters alongside former Baylor football star and current NFL quarterback, Robert Griffin III, USMNT soccer player Clint Dempsey, long-time NFL punter Shane Lechler, Olympians Michelle Carter and Francie Larrieu Smith, and retired WNBA player Teresa Weatherspoon.

While the Texas Sports Hall of Fame has recognized over 300 former players, coaches, owners and others involved in Texas Sports, Beltre will be just the fourth Texas Ranger to be inducted. Previous Texas Rangers to be honored include Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez (2011), Michael Young (2016), and Nolan Ryan (1985). Ryan was inducted prior to playing with the Texas Rangers, however.

Beltre’s career with the Texas Rangers spanned from 2011-2018. During those eight seasons Beltre amassed 199 home runs, 699 RBIs, 239 doubles, and 1,277 hits. He also posted a 128 wRC+ as well as a .304 batting average along with an .865 OPS. As much as he is remembered for his numbers and incredible play, he is equally revered for the way he played with the Rangers and his love and appreciation for the fans.

He had fun on the field, but demanded nothing less than a hundred percent from his teammates. He was never chasing personal greatness, but instead sought to be a part of a great team. This is part of what makes Beltre so special. He was not all that interested in being recognized as of the greatest third basemen of all time, at least not in comparison toward his pursuit of a championship. He is well on his way, if not already there, however in being considered precisely that; one of the greatest third-basement to ever play the game of baseball.

The 2020 Texas Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 28 in Waco, TX at the Waco Convention Center. For those interested in celebrating Beltre’s illustrious baseball career, they can call 800-567-9561 according to the Hall of Fame’s press release.