Adrián Beltré Was Weirder Than You Remember | Baseball History

BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [e-mail]
_____________________________
Twitter: @BaseballHSTRN
_____________________________
Adrián Beltré is one of the greatest third basemen in the history of baseball. Over twenty-one seasons, he racked up more hits than anyone else at his position. He’s been compared to Hall of Famers like Mike Schmidt, George Brett, and other legends of the game. And he looks to be a shoo-in for next year’s Cooperstown election, his first time appearing on the ballot.
Looking back, the case for Adrián Beltré as an all-time MLB talent is as strong as anyone’s. But it wasn’t always that way. For much of his career, Beltré was seen as a good player, if not the best. He never won an MVP, never won a World Series, and rarely led the league in offensive statistics. So how did he become the near-universally beloved icon we know him as today?
This video is about a different kind of great. Mike Schmidt, George Brett - guys like them spent years in front of cameras and on the covers of magazines. Beltré, meanwhile, spent twelve years in the league before his first All-Star Game. His career has been called, quote, “almost boringly steady.” Now, Adrián Beltré is a lot of things. “Boring” isn’t one of them.
_____________________________
MUSIC:
"Ringside" - Dyalla
"Dutty" - Vibe Tracks
"Huma Huma" - From Russia With Love
"Chariots of War" - Aaakash Gandhi
"Heaven and Hell" - Jeremy Blake
"Teasing the King" - Nathan Moore
"Hustle" - Kevin MacLeod
"Sugar Zone" - Silent Partner
"Soulicious" - Dyalla
"Come On In" - Silent Partner
_____________________________
SOURCES:
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs
ESPN
Baseball Savant
sabr.org/bioproj/person/adria...
www.nytimes.com/2018/11/20/sp...
www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/1...
dodgerblue.com/dodgers-bonus-....
apnews.com/article/eb6794c5d3...
www.latimes.com/sports/dodger...
blogs.fangraphs.com/the-best-...
mlb.mlb.com/content/printer_fr...
www.espn.com/boston/mlb/news/...
blogs.fangraphs.com/adrian-be...
www.newyorker.com/sports/spor...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of....
baseballsavant.mlb.com/leader...

[@StarkRavingSports]

STREETS NEEDED THIS

[@DopeExistence]

I hate how our lexicon has become mainstream

[@OpinionatedPeach]

@@DopeExistence too bad, it makes it harder to victimize yourself. Also both of u are cheesy.

[@JoseSanchez0795]

Yes!!!!

[@Brooklynquietmoney]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@DrAnarchy69]

Is it sad that I know more about the MLBPA history than I do this reference? RIP Martin Miller and Curt Floyd, legends both.

[@ILoveMisty1985]

As a Texas Rangers fan I was able to witness Adrian Beltre's ascendance from an All-Star to a future Hall of Famer. I was fortunate enough to be at his 3,000th hit game, and I hope to be in Cooperstown next year for his Hall of Fame induction.

[@imcojakyt5326]

Fr I gone to so many games

[@RetardsOfPaloAlto]

It was sad when he left the Dodgers, but I’ve enjoyed watching Rangers games here and there to see him play Green Beltre Roberts Lo Duca Were my childhood squad

[@Ryan-zl3bn]

I was there too , ill never forget being in left field waiting for a homerun in 105 degrees lol

[@AkumaAPN]

I was there too, for the 3,000th hit! During a break between innings, they played a video on the jumbo TV of all the players who had 3,000+ hits, kind of a countdown from Pete Rose to Adrian Beltre. When it got to Cap Anson, I jumped up and clapped and screamed, "YEEAAHHH, CAP ANSON!!!!" and received some giggles from nearby patrons. I remember he was sitting on 2,999 before the game started, and my brothers and I were running a few minutes late. We were still looking for our seats on the First Base side when he was finishing up his first plate appearance. I remember hoping he'd walk or get out, so I could be at my seat & zoned in when he actually got it. And it worked out that way!

[@Sapioso]

My old Dodger ass saw it in person *1st*

[@CommonTro]

Remember him when I first started watching baseball as a mariner fan. He was my favorite player and I was devastated when he was no longer a mariner

[@AndThatsBaseball]

The fact that he’s top 15 in games played and it felt like he still had a couple years left in him when he walked away tells you all you need to know about Adrian Beltre

[@M4sterT3ch]

His legs held him back from those past couple seasons. He kept straining his quads or hammy..I forget which.

[@Txrng4444]

Hamstring

[@OnlyFacts662]

0 rings.

[@joshct9426]

That says so much about beltre.

[@robbedcookie]

@@OnlyFacts662ah yes using a franchise/team statistic to define a player, you must really know baseball.

[@forrestcommander6283]

Don’t forget that Adrian is also the only player in history to cycle twice in the same ballpark for two different sides (Ballpark in Arlington: 1 for Seattle, 1 for the Rangers).

[@karsonmapes]

nerd. huge nerd

[@randyfailinger2290]

Actually, two times as a Ranger.

[@NatTurnerswitBurnerz]

After he left the Dodgers, he had a huge decline with the M's. He redeemed himself with the Red Sox and became a HOFer with the Rangers.

[@BaseballAF]

One of my favorite players I got to see play baseball, his aversion to being touched on his head will never be forgotten 🙏

[@M4sterT3ch]

I have his removable helmet bobble head. 😂

[@AnthonySettergren]

it was forgotten in this video

[@gadbammit4736]

This dude I believe hit multiple home runs from one knee during his tenure in Texas in the Pennant winning teams of 2010 and 2011? What an absolute monster

[@gadbammit4736]

And I said that before watching the dope ass intro Goosebumps

[@ryandanford5289]

This made me cry man. I have lived in Arlington my whole life, and been to 1000+ games. Nothing will every amount to watching Beltre hit a walkoff from his knees or a bare handed snag. Baseball is romantic.

[@Wheelmass]

After today’s announcement and 2023’s incredible Rangers team, I’ve been reminiscing hard. Beltre made a disappointing era of Texas Rangers baseball a ton of fun to watch - for how he played the game and his ability. It is very fitting that he’s becoming baseball immortal in when that little ol’ ballclub from Arlington will be on display in Cooperstown after doing the same!

[@Braezin]

If Beltre isnt first ballot.. we riot.. the dude deserves it.. Class player and great personality.

[@bobmarlowe3390]

...and extremely entertaining.

[@chuggaroo]

When I was maybe 8 I remember my dad telling me to run down by the dugout and hold my glove out in case any player tossed a ball my way. Beltre looked up, gave me the nod and tossed me the ball. Been one of my favorite players ever since

[@ruffs6756]

I love when Ken Caminiti gets mentioned in a video because he was a relative of mine. Obv had his issues but he seems to be forgotten a lot

[@bmac4]

He was an alumnus of my alma mater, I've always felt just a bit of a sense of a kindredness from Caminiti as a result, and it was cool seeing someone come from the same boring place I did and make a name for himself. Just a shame how it all went down with the substance abuse, I'm glad people have at least some more sympathy these days for those who battle those demons.

[@M4sterT3ch]

Caminiti was an epic beast and an all time great.

[@SwordHMX]

Beltre's first two years at Safeco Field assured that any free agent hitter with good options would NEVER go to Seattle. That never changed until they moved in the fences.

[@antonioreconquistador]

Him and dick sexson

[@joel8692]

Yup I was a mariners fan in the 90s and remember that when I saw how Safeco field was built my first thought was both AROD and JR won't want to resign because there homers were gonna decrease

[@youraverageguy7842]

Jon Bois talking about his most memorable moment in Seattle when he was hit in his sac still makes me chuckle. Especially after he said “I already have 3 kids. I don’t want anymore.”

[@brandon_white2422]

I say this all the time. If I need a 3rd baseman for a team, he's my guy. He was the perfect prototypical 3rd baseman. He was consistent and never lacked on defense

[@joshct9426]

I'm a Beltre collector. A Yankees fan but other than Yankees he's one of my all time favorite players to watch. He did everything the right way and imo one of the top 60 players of all time

[@TheTEN24]

This dude was so good In all aspects loved those rangers teams

[@mpaulm]

A long career and never traded. Remarkably consistent too.

[@brandonlm0125]

Love the “it was inside of him the whole time” ending 😂

[@aaronstreitenberger6012]

Ms fan. Love Beltre even though he didn't have his best years in Seattle. He was one of the few watchable things about those mid2000s teams.

[@JSR_]

As a Dodger fan, to see him claw his way back and up the ladder to that monster 2004, just to see him leave in Free Agency that very offseason AFTER we FINALLY got to the postseason... I'll tell ya, my loyalty was challenged that offseason. Next to Piazza and Lo Duca, losing Beltre hurt more than any other move the Dodgers made from 1998-2005. McCourt and Fox can both kiss my rear end.

[@CoasterKrazie]

Shoot being a kid in L.A. in 04 I remember how great of a player he was. Still one my all my time favorite Dodgers.

[@redlegs2338]

I always looked at him as the Chauncey Billups of baseball. Couldn't really find their spot early on but they aged like finest wine.

[@mr.castle]

That's a good one. I do believe that Beltre is ranked better in his position than Billups but definitely ballers.

[@jimburow706]

Adrian Beltre was just great. What a fun player to watch.

[@major4smith]

Adrian and Elvis were the orchestrators of my childhood

[@gamingeagle19]

Being in attendance when he got his 3000th will forever be a huge highlight and great honor. I still have the video of him getting it too. I love Beltre.

[@PasseBlanc]

Me too!

[@abaofifsz]

Oh yeah? I was there for 2,998. Real fans remember that one 😤😵‍💫

[@donovanjohnson756]

Great video he definitely a hof without a doubt to be consistent to plan in major leagues for 20 years like that is amazing

[@SamuraiSam]

Being a Red Sox fan, I remember not being thrilled with the signing of Beltre, and I felt vindicated when he got off to a fairly slow start to the year. Boy, then, for the rest of his career, I was sure proven wrong. Had the Sox not won 2 World Series after letting him go, I'd have been livid that they ddn't resign him.

[@DBossMC]

I’m just happy we helped him revive his career

[@lurkintomgaming397]

What's even crazier is he could have kept playing and producing at the same level

[@ethanniedorowski116]

Used to play with la when he came up he was great 2004 wow..... then I'm a soxs fan 2011 I knew it last pick in my fantasy draft an yup nailed it

[@Txrng4444]

FAVORITE PLAYER EVER! Loved his skill and the fun he had! HOF for sure.

[@brendanables7367]

Your editing has improved amazingly compared to your early videos. Much props to the growth of the channel

[@BigLouJo_XVI]

It’s good to see you again with another great video, Mr. Baseball Historian.

[@aidanbay8721]

Your editing style is top notch I always look forward to seeing your new videos every time you upload

[@itsnotme07]

Great video! Of course he's now a HOFer and will be taking his place in Cooperstown this coming July. As a Red Sox fan, I was VERY HAPPY they signed him for the 2010 season. He more than earned his paycheck....but the "wicked smaht guys" at 4 Jersey St, weren't so smart here. Beltre took the cash for the Rangers...why not!? Sure I was mad I couldn't watch him play for the Red Sox anymore, but as a DFW resident since the mid 1990's, I could watch him play in Arlington. He was awesome and even better as a person, still is. I attended his last home game in 2018. He easily could have played another 3-5 years...but I get it, he didn't need to and wanted to be home. Nothing wrong with that. Can't wait until he's back in there as a 1st/3rd base coach....or Hitting or Bench coach for someone. I'll be watching the HOF broadcast in July.

[@GoombaGuy1996]

Players usually have their career peaks in their 20’s. My dude Adrian peaked in his 30’s. He went from having a good, not great career, to a legend the second he became a Texas Ranger.

[@squirrelguy2195]

Another guy who had a huge second half to his career is Roberto Clemente, who generated 64.4 bWAR from his Age 29 to his Age 37 season vs. 30.0 bWAR from his age 20 to 28 seasons.

[@FTBMMA]

This man was the most entertaining quiet athlete of all time.

[@travisp5747]

A few months back I stumbled onto his BR page and was completely blown away by his WAR totals. I was expecting maybe 40-50ish. I’m a stat geek BR is basically my default home on my browser. He was very under the radar but he’s one of the best 3B ever. It’s nice to see a people Giving this man his flowers

[@ThrashMetallix]

I remember how excited I was for Beltre to play for Seattle. Even if he wasn't top tier there, he was always a favorite, even after he left. I cannot wait to see him in Cooperstown.

[@M4sterT3ch]

If there's one man in my life I absolutely adore its this man right here. What a legend. I still miss him at 3b for the rangers. ❤

[@franguidry2017]

Another great video! Great story in baseball.

[@carlpacquing2575]

Adrian Beltre's career is crazy. How many Hall of Famers were barely above league average through their first 10 seasons, 6000 ABs.

[@trashonfire507]

As a Cardinals fan the 2011 Rangers were SCARY.. Beltre, Young, Andrus, Hamilton, Cruz, with Wilson as the ace, and Feliz in the pen

[@MrTurner94]

Always loved him, was even better once he became a Ranger

[@guyfuller1369]

Another beauty! Thanks.

[@forrestcommander6283]

I plan on being there when he is inducted. He and I were talking one day and I promised him I planned on being there the day he is inaugurated. He smiled and just said, “I’m not going to Hall of Fame.” He was being completely serious. I love how fun and humble he is, and I look forward to seeing my old friend inducted. Hell, he almost ran me down on the field one day, which caused me to run into Craig Gentry. He laughed as he walked away.

[@gadbammit4736]

Wow this video is a historical gold mine

[@SconnerStudios]

Back in 2008 I bought a couple PSA graded cards at a card show. The two cards, each I got for a dollar, were two rookie cards: a graded 10 Josh Hamilton and a graded 9 Adrian Beltre. Best deal I've ever gotten. I only bought them because I saw they were graded cards.

[@SconnerStudios]

I always assumed Adrian Beltre took steroids because of his 2004 (what looked like at the time) fluke until I realized his 2004 year was a year he was going into free agency. I figured how could a guy go from around 20 HR's to 40 back to 20 over 3 years? But he clearly never did steroids, as he would have gotten caught over the years at some point. Guess players really do play better on contract years.

[@poindextertunes]

@@SconnerStudios he definitely did because they all do, you rube. smh

[@SconnerStudios]

@@poindextertunes Nah

[@johncrace911]

Nelson Cruz is quietly sneaking into the HOF.

[@izaman56]

Thank you for this

[@PlasticChaser]

One of my absolute favorites!!

[@christophertifre2018]

Very consistent and very under the radar.I still think Rolen was the best 3B during that Era even tho Beltre has the better career numbers.Beltre probably will get in HOF after a few years on ballot

[@joel8692]

Better than AROD ?

[@firechase1603]

HE BACK. Massive W.

[@kyleleverence4061]

Fantastically constructed video. Well done.

[@WhatHappenedtoBaseball]

Oooh Beltre video by Baseball Historian?? This is exciting

[@Granaidh]

Excellent! Ty

[@billybaugus1249]

Hall for sure. Pleasure to see him play

[@DrAnarchy69]

I love that Bienvenido Beltre’s name translates to “Hello” Beltre.

[@DevilDog_666]

For some reason I was under the impression that he won the MVP award with the Dodgers.

[@ishy2004]

STREETS NEEDED YOU BACK

[@JohnsonSaUceZach]

I remember when Beltre played for the Seattle Mariners, he hit a line drive HR that struck the top of the foul pole in left field. I believe they were playing against the Rangers at the time. This occurred before the fences were moved in 2013. If it had missed the pole, I think it would have been the longest home run in T-mobile/Safeco history. Unfortunately, I have been unable to find a video, which is frustrating.

[@MMA-Mishap]

Underrated channel.

[@jbthomas01]

Adrian is one of many examples of All-Star caliber, HOFer, or almost HOFer players worst years being in Seattle. Not counting his twilight years. We still love him in Seattle though.

[@sharpie74YT]

Great video

[@Pedicrap]

Nice touch at the end.😆 I missed him when he left Boston. 😢

[@Cc75757]

By far my favorite ranger/mlb player ever.

[@M4sterT3ch]

💯

[@GaffordVids]

My favorite player of all-time.

[@scottwebb6570]

Killing the pronunciation of Ken Caminiti 😂

[@gadbammit4736]

Ken caminiti another undervalued monster... had he not torn his rotater cuff then played through the fucking injury who knows what his career might have been, fucking monster

[@chrisuncleahmad]

The man who should have won 2004 NL MVP

[@StarkRavingSports]

Alright….

[@jamesesterline]

I don't know, Bonds playing without a bat was pretty impressive

[@jontafferofficial]

future HOF, love adrian :,). i always wished that he could've won a ring

[@samoshields1806]

Probably my favorite player of all time to be honest

[@thychepe2276]

Texas Rangers Legend Adrian Beltre

[@SconnerStudios]

Boston Red Sox legend Adrian Beltre.

[@zachh2673]

I still am sad the Dodgers didn't resign him. He was my favorite player back then and I knew he'd be a hall of famer

[@Thatninetykid]

AB & MY dfw area had great role models the last 2 decades as baseball fans

[@FBinTexasNate]

Pickle quote goated

[@SkilesHasFun]

Adrian Beltre is the Curtis Martin of baseball.

[@Mayoisglue]

He’s the goat dude is undeniable

[@lanky5270]

Real g

[@jacksonpowers3947]

15:22 very nice call joe buck, so enthusiastic about the game tying home run in the World Series 😁😊

[@plushman3685]

Beltre is a God in Texas. Man I miss his personality and bat. Him vs King Felix and Miggy, funny stuff

[@gadbammit4736]

Ahhh i never knew he almost died That explaines so much from 2001-2003 then 2004 happened

[@vicentee2687]

he also hates to have his head rubbed 😂

[@asiandwarf6616]

manny mota tribute reminded me of him

[@bigred9991]

How do you bat 3.44 with 48hrs and not make the All-Star?

[@jgrullon32]

Chipper Jones, Scott rolen, etc.

[@joel8692]

​@@jgrullon32 chipper, rolen got voted in over beltre because of popularity but they definitely didn't have better stats

[@boneapart2250]

I put on my Beltre jersey to watch this.

[@MeatyOchre]

Man deserves a nice pat on the head for his accomplishments.

[@BretNolte]

Yo Baseball Historian, I use photoshop and am always trying to get better at thumnbails, I was wondering how you get that cartoonized/animated look? Is that a certain filter?

[@MultiBrian1986]

He sure was a legend with the Seattle Mariners.............

[@rocknrallsoul94rockero4]

Watch Baseball's Not Dead's video on best mlb contracts he was underpaid at best in Seattle

[@smurphftw2008]

​@rocknrallsoul94 Rockero I don't need to watch a video that rewrites his history as a Mariner. I watched him be underwhelming and exceedingly mid for 5 years.

[@DjDobleU809]

15:20 One of the worst, most depressing home run calls ever in such a pivotal moment. How was this guy on the 🎤 that night?

[@rogregg29445]

Oh man that fight! That punk pitcher deserved it love the big cat 🐈

[@Billy.gen-X]

You're saying Caminiti wrong

[@sk33t_38]

I had appendicitis and it for real was the most painful thing I've ever experienced and it hadn't even burst yet. Can't even imagine the pain he was in.

[@hubertqueen1541]

My appendectomy was almost the same way. Minus the hole…

[@theworldisyours7333]

He had a guy in the outside with binoculars

[@circusmaster1441]

Adrian Beltre was "Team Poison" He is a poster child of what "Team Poison" can do to a team.

[@mjisthegoat88]

Huh?

[@chrislewis5069]

Cam- min-itti

[@frankfearnleysr5215]

I will NEVER understand how after the season Beltre had with the Red .321, 49 2b, 28hr., 102 ribbys, and finished #9 in mvp voting..Sox, the "braintrust" in charge EVER let him go..talk about head up their azz

[@petepyeatt6909]

He had a buddy with binoculars who waived an undershirt in the outfield bleachers at the Ballpark in Arlington when he saw the pitcher was about to throw something off speed. Allegedly.

[@Shinobi33]

He played for Boston? Damn forgot that