Adrian Beltre

Lore & Background

Beltré made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 1998 at age 19. He led the majors with 48 home runs with the Dodgers in 2004, was the team MVP of the Red Sox in 2010, played in the 2011 World Series for the Rangers, and tied for the major league lead in hits in 2013. On September 19, 2014, Beltré surpassed Vladimir Guerrero as the all-time MLB leader for hits by a Dominican player, a record since broken by Albert Pujols in 2019. On July 30, 2017, Beltré became the 31st player in MLB history to reach 3,000 hits and the first Dominican player to achieve that milestone. Beltré retired following the 2018 season with 3,166 career hits (most by a third baseman in MLB history), 477 home runs, and 1,707 runs batted in. He hit for the cycle three times in his career, in 2008, 2012, and 2015, one of five players to do so in MLB history, the others being Bob Meusel, Babe Herman, Trea Turner, and Christian Yelich. Having played 21 major league seasons and won the Gold Glove Award five times, Beltré is notable for his defensive prowess and career longevity as well as his power hitting. He played in four MLB All-Star Games and won the Silver Slugger Award four times. Upon his retirement, Beltré was the only third baseman in history with both 3,000 career hits and 400 home runs. According to Baseball Reference, Beltré has the third-highest Wins Above Replacement among third basemen. He retired as the all-time leader amongst third basemen in hits and RBIs, and ranked third in home runs amongst third basemen. He is also the fifth major-leaguer to have hit at least 100 home runs for three different teams. In 2024, Beltré was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed over Arlington as Adrian stepped into the batter's box, adjusting his batting gloves with practiced rhythm. The crowd fell silent, knowing exactly what was coming next. He swung, connecting with a sharp crack that echoed off the outfield walls. Before the ball even landed, he began his signature slide toward third base, fist pumping in triumph.

Reader's Guide

Beltré was born on April 7, 1979, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He attended Liceo Máximo Gómez High School. While working out at Campo Las Palmas in 1994, a Los Angeles Dodgers facility, Beltré was spotted by scouts Ralph Avila and Pablo Peguero. Though only 15 years old and weighing 130 lb, Beltré featured a quick swing and live throwing arm. The Dodgers signed him in July 1994 with a $23,000 signing bonus. He made his MLB debut on June 24, 1998, with the Dodgers. He played for the Dodgers (1998–2004), Seattle Mariners (2005–2009), Boston Red Sox (2010), and Texas Rangers (2011–2018). He retired following the 2018 season.

Did You Know?

• Beltré hit for the cycle three times in his career, in 2008, 2012, and 2015.
• He is one of five players in MLB history to hit for the cycle three times, along with Bob Meusel, Babe Herman, Trea Turner, and Christian Yelich.
• Beltré was the first Dominican player to reach 3,000 hits.
• He won the Gold Glove Award five times and the Silver Slugger Award four times.