Adrian Beltre announced his retirement on Tuesday after playing a remarkable 21 Major League Baseball seasons, and his next stop will almost certainly be the Baseball Hall of Fame.
In a statement released by the Texas Rangers, Beltre said he came to the incredibly difficult decision that it is time to call it a career.
“After careful consideration and many sleepless nights, I have made the decision to retire from what I’ve been doing for my whole life, which is playing baseball, the game I love,” the 39-year-old said. “I have thought about it a lot and although I appreciate all the opportunities and everything that baseball has given me, it’s time to call it a career.”
The list of accolades for Beltre is an incredibly lengthy one. His 3,166 hits rank 16th all-time and are the most ever by a player not born in the United States. He also made four All-Star teams, won six Gold Gloves and four Silver Slugger Awards. Beltre’s on-field earnings of $220 million are the seventh most for an MLB player in his career, according to ESPN’s Darren Rovell.
It goes without saying that Beltre is one of the most respected players in baseball, and the sport paid tribute to him on Tuesday:
Congrats on an unbelievable career Adrian Beltre! The total package at the hot corner. I will save a seat for u at the third baseman’s table of the members dinner in Cooperstown my man! Enjoy retirement buddy.
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) November 20, 2018
For the countless laughs. #ThankYouAB pic.twitter.com/GigcEzgEOr
— #ThankYouAB (@Rangers) November 20, 2018
Here's every player in history with at least 3,166 hits, 477 HR, .819 OPS & 5 Gold Gloves:
Willie Mays
Adrian BeltreThat's all, folks!
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 20, 2018
I dropped down a bunt in Dodger Stadium. No way the 3B would even bother throwing the ball. Too good a bunt. Then the 1B stretched and I was out by a half step.
Who in the world has that kind of arm?!?!?
20-year old, Adrián Beltré #Rangers@Rangers @Dodgers @MLB #Dodgers
— Doug Glanville (@dougglanville) November 20, 2018
Check out Adrian Beltre's stats from 2004. He finished second in the MVP voting that year to … Barry Bonds.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) November 20, 2018
Complete list of players with at least 2,000 hits, 300 home runs, and 200 defensive runs saved:
Adrian Beltre
That is it. And he eclipses those totals by 1,166 hits, 177 home runs, and 37.7 defensive runs saved.
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) November 20, 2018
Congrats to Adrian Beltre on a fine career and best of luck in whatever is next! pic.twitter.com/mIDraUil4x
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) November 20, 2018
Beltre’s career will be remembered as much for his quirky personality as it will for his Hall of Fame resume. He’s a once-in-a-generation player who simply made the sport more fun during his two decades in the league.
