Adrian Beltre
| Birthdate | 04/07/1979 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 1998 |
| Year of Induction | 2024 |
| Teams | Dodgers, Mariners, Rangers, Red Sox |
| Positions | Designated Hitter, Third Base |
Adrian Beltre holds the all time record for total bases by a third baseman. He also has five Gold Gloves and four All Star appearances and Silver Sluggers.
Leave a commentIn the collection:
Adrian Beltre finished his career with 3,166 hits, 477 homers, and 1,707 runs batted in
Adrian Beltre finished his career with 3,166 hits, 477 homers, and 1,707 runs batted in
Adrian Beltre signed this Topps extension in August, 1998 two months after his 20 birthday and just 34 games into his Major League career.
Soon he would establish himself as a premier fielder and as a top hitting third baseman.
Originally signed by the Dodgers, Beltre played seven seasons in Los Angeles from 1998-2004. From there he moved north to the Seattle Mariners and remained in the American League for the rest of his career.
Beltre’s final eight seasons of his career – all with the Rangers – helped define his career. During his time in Texas, Betre hit .304, slugged 199 homers and drove in nearly 700 runs. He also became a member of the 3,000-hit club and 400-homer club in a Texas uniform.
In 2014, Beltre set the All Time record for total bases by a third baseman, the least represented defensive position in the Hall of Fame.
His 27.2 dWar ranks second only to Brooks Robinson for players at his position. Betre earned five Gold Gloves, two Platinum Gloves, and was named the American League’s Wilson Defensive Player of the Year in 2012.
Offensively Beltre’s career numbers rank high on the all time list. He is 17th in hits, 11th in hits, 30th in homers, 24th in runs batted in, and 14th in total bases.
Beltre earned four Silver Slugger Awards and was in the top 10 among position players in Wins Above Replacement seven times. In fact, his 93.6 WAR ranks 27th all time.
Most believe it’s likely he’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Fellow Dominican Manny Mota was a mentor early in Beltré's career
Fellow Dominican Manny Mota was a mentor early in Beltré's career
In 2023, Manny Mota received the prestigious honor as a Legend of Dodger Baseball. The ceremony attracted 48,738 fans and numerous dignitaries. Hall of Famer Adrián Beltré attended to celebrate Mota. Signed by the Dodgers at age 15, Beltre came from the Dominican Republic.
Beltre spent his first seven big league seasons with the Dodgers and shared a strong bond with his fellow countryman Mota. Every spring training, Beltre flagged down Mota as he rode his styling Dodger blue tricycle around the Vero Beach facility. The young third baseman often sought Mota’s companionship, encouragement, or council. Mota’s joyful spirit and dedication left a lasting impact on the future Cooperstown man.
At Mota’s ceremony, Beltré presented a an updated version of Mota’s Dodger trike. Fans cheered as Beltré reminisced about their shared experiences and Mota’s influence on his career.
Mota, known for his contributions on the field, also inspired future generations through his kindness. The ceremony celebrated not only his accomplishments but also his enduring legacy within the Dodgers organization. Mota’s journey from the Dominican Republic to becoming a Dodger legend showcased his hard work and determination.
The event highlighted the importance of community and mentorship in baseball. Mota’s legacy continues to inspire players and fans alike, uniting them through a shared love for the game.
Shown here are two pictures of Mota taken in 1987 at Vero Beach. The 49-year old Mota had yet to graduate from two wheels to three.
