Ahead of Rangers Hall of Fame call, Elvis Andrus credits two legends for career

As Elvis Andrus prepares to be enshrined into the Texas Rangers baseball history forever, the longtime Rangers infielder is reflecting on his career and what exactly the organization means to him and his family.

Looking on his 12 years in the Rangers' organization, first coming to Texas as a inexperienced 20-year-old, he still had a lot to learn about the game. Luckily, to his own admission, he had some tremendous experts around him in Ron Washington and Adrian Beltre.

On the Dallas Morning News' latest episode of SportsDay Rangers, Andrus got a chance to outline just how impactful those two were in getting him started as a big leaguer and the overall comfort they brought throughout his career.

Where would Andrus be without Washington and Beltre?

As for his partner on the left side of the infield for nine seasons, Beltre and Andrus shared the ultimate big brother-little brother relationship and their love for the game was evident. But most importantly Beltre wasn't shy to bring Andrus in, show him the ropes, treat him like an equal but also call him out when it was needed.

A good manager is as impactful and key to the success of players and the team. We are seeing it currently presenting itself in Bruce Bochy and in the early 2010's Texas had Washington. Andrus came to the league when Washington had been the organization's manager for three seasons.

The reputation Washington has around the league is immense. He's been crucial players in the transformation of countless players, including current Rangers' second baseman Marcus Semien during his time in Oakland. That same attitude transformed Andrus' career.

"Going back to 2009, I was 20 and having someone like Wash as your manager guiding me, helping me, always having my back. I think that's one of the reasons I felt good right away getting into the league, Andrus said. "I will never have enough words to speak the gratitude I have for Wash."

What to know about Andrus' Rangers Hall of Fame induction this weekend

The Rangers are set to induct him into the team's Hall of Fame as the 27th member prior to Saturday afternoon's 3:05 p.m. first pitch against division rival Seattle Mariners.

Andrus, who played 12 seasons with Texas, immediately became a fan favorite and was a foundational piece in the Rangers' back-to-back World Series trips in 2010 and 2011. He also made 3 other postseason appearances with Texas.

He sits in the organization's top 10 in hits, at-bats, triples. sacrifice hits, runs, doubles, total bases, multi-hit games, walks and RBIs. He also is the franchise leader in stolen bases with 305 which is 133 more than other player.

The on-field ceremony will begin at 2:20 p.m. and feature remarks from former teammates Michael Young and Adrian Beltre with Rangers radio broadcaster Matt Hicks serving as the MC.

If fans are looking to get to the ballpark to see the festivities, you still might be able to score Elvis Theme Night tickets which come with a custom Elvis #1 hat. For fans at home, Rangers Sports Network will begin airing the ceremony at 2:40 p.m.