Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre has just become the newest Mr. 3,000. Beltre joins an elite club of Major League Baseball hitters who have accomplished this impressive feat. Before today, just 30 players have been able to add their names to this iconic baseball stat. Beltre becomes the 31st player in all of Major League Baseball history to have 3,000 hits in his career. Already considered a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame, this feat all but seals the deal for Beltre.
The exclusive list features names like Pete Rose, Hank Aaron, Cal Ripken, Rickey Henderson, Roberto Clemente, and more. The full list can be found by clicking here.
Adrian Beltre, 38, is in his 20th year of Major League Baseball. He has spent time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and the Texas Rangers. In 2004, Beltre finished second in Most Valuable Player voting, ultimately succumbing to Barry Bonds. He won a Silver Slugger that same season. In both 2007 and 2008, Beltre earned a Gold Glove. In 2010, 2011, and 2012, Beltre was named an All-Star. He earned a Silver Slugger in ’10 and ‘11, and a Gold Glove in ’11 and ’12. Beltre was named an All-Star again in 2014 and was also awarded his fourth Silver Slugger. In 2016, Beltre was awarded his fifth Gold Glove.
In most conversations, Beltre will go down as one of the best third basemen in the game.
Skills, abilities, and stats aside, Adrian Beltre is most notable for the love he has for the game of baseball. He plays the game with a serious focus but also goes about it light-heartedly. Beltre is often on the highlight reels not just for his bat or glove, but for the antics and laughs he provides. He can often be seen joking around and having fun with his Texas Rangers teammate Elvis Andrus. Few players are noted for this kind of passion and love for the game. Beltre will forever be remembered as one of those guys.