It’s a glorious time to be a Texas Rangers fan, with a recent World Series triumph and the latest news of one of the franchise’s beloved players earning a spot in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Adrián Beltré, who graced the Rangers from 2011 to 2019, secured an impressive 95.1% of the vote in his debut year of eligibility, paving the way for his induction into the Hall of Fame. He will be joined by Twins catcher Joe Mauer and Rockies first baseman Todd Helton, with the induction ceremony set for July 21 in Cooperstown, N.Y.
This honor for Beltré, at the age of 44, arrives just months after the Rangers clinched their inaugural World Series title on November 1. The veteran ballplayer was on hand at Chase Field in Phoenix that memorable night to partake in the championship celebration.
Beltré expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to witness the team’s triumph, stating, “It was such a nice moment seeing them win this last season. I was grateful enough that they invited me to come see the games and be a part of it.” For an organization and its devoted fans who had endured decades of longing for a championship, this victory was particularly significant.
The moment Adrián Beltré got the call. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/oI8xgYnjGx
— MLB (@MLB) January 23, 2024
Reflecting on the journey, Beltré acknowledged, “I felt relieved because, in 2011, we got so close… I wanted to be a world champion. I believed at that time they gave me the best chance, and we proved that we had pretty much the best team until Game 6.” Despite falling short in 2011, the championship in five games against the Arizona Diamondbacks was a triumphant moment that lifted the weight off the club’s shoulders.
The celebration of this historic achievement will persist throughout the 2024 season, featuring various events such as the Opening Day ring ceremony and special giveaways for fans. Beltré’s sentiment remains unwavering: “They can actually call themselves champions. So I feel really happy for them, and I’ll always be a fan of the Texas Rangers.”
Now, alongside his cherished memories as a player, Beltré can proudly add the title of Hall of Famer to his illustrious baseball career.