Adrian Beltre is one of the biggest names to be inducted into Cooperstown on July 21, 2024. Beltre is best known for his tenure with the Texas Rangers from 2011 to 2018, but he also played for the Boston Red Sox in 2010, Seattle Mariners from 2005 to 2009, and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1998 to 2004. The Dominican star third baseman made his MLB debut with the Dodgers on June 24, 1998.
Here are my top five Adrian Beltre moments
5. Elvis Andrus Drove Adrian Beltre Crazy Between Innings
Like I said in my previous article, Adrian Beltre has a pet peeve of people touching his head, including his good friend and fellow teammate Elvis Andrus. Andrus once drove Beltre crazy between innings by touching his head. As a result, Beltre apparently kicked him and threw his baseball glove at him.
4. Miguel Cabrera Ruffled Adrian Beltre’s Feathers During a Coaching Visit to the Mound
Detroit Tigers star Miguel Cabrera once horsed around with Texas Rangers star Adrian Beltre at third base during a coaching visit to the mound. Cabrera ruffled Beltre’s feathers by touching his head and fighting him with one of his arms. Apparently, Beltre threw a couple of punches at Cabrera.
3. Adrian Beltre Had a History of Goofing Around With Felix Hernandez in Long-Term Bromance
Aside from the Adrian Beltre-Elvis Andrus bromance, there was another bromance between the Texas Rangers star and King Felix (Felix Hernandez for those unfamiliar with the Seattle Mariners star). Beltre and Hernandez had an extensive history of goofing around during the MLB games, such as when Beltre was struggling with apparent leg issues and Hernandez seemingly telling him to take it easy and slow down. Beltre appeared to listen, but only half-heartedly.
2. Adrian Beltre Launched a Grand Slam to Left Field
Adrian Beltre is considered one of the greatest third basemen of all time. Beltre had a lot of memorable moments during his 20-year MLB career from 1998 to 2018. Besides four MLB All-Star nominations, the star third baseman launched a go-ahead grand slam to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 5-2 lead over the Colorado Rockies and an eventual 8-7 win on September 27, 2004. The home crowd chanted MVP chants like they should.
1. Adrian Beltre Got Ejected for Moving the on-deck Circle
I saved the best for last. If you’re a longtime Texas Rangers fan, you’ll probably remember when Adrian Beltre and Jeff Banister got ejected in the eighth inning after Beltre moved the on-deck circle. Beltre apparently didn’t have any humor while discussing the incident with Banister in the chaos. The Marlins were leading 18-6 in the bottom of the eighth inning and went on to win 22-10.