On Saturday, the Texas Rangers announced through Bally Sports Southwest that Adrian Beltre will receive a bronze statue at Globe Life Field in 2025. Beltre, a Hall of Famer, will join Nolan Ryan and Ivan Rodriguez among the Rangers players with statues.

As part of Beltre’s induction into the Rangers Hall of Fame on Saturday, the former star third baseman gave a speech to the crowd.

“Good afternoon, everyone,” Beltre began his speech. “I’m going to keep it brief because tonight is a game and you’ve seen a lot of me lately. So I’m going to keep it short and sweet. I want to thank the Rangers for honoring me today… I’ve been fortunate to play the game I love. I have great teammates, a great coaching staff, a great support system and a great family. My wife and kids, thank you for everything.”

“I’m just grateful to be able to play and enjoy what I’ve done. I’m really grateful, thank God. Everything that’s happened in my life lately and I’m really happy to be on this field today… I’m really grateful to you (the fans). Thank you.”

Adrian Beltre’s career with the Rangers

Beltre spent eight of his 21 major league seasons with the Rangers. He also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox. Beltre played for the Dodgers for seven years, but ultimately chose to enter the Hall of Fame wearing a Rangers cap.

Beltre made his MLB debut in 1998 with the Dodgers. Despite having some impressive seasons early in his career, he didn’t make his first All-Star team until 2010 with the Red Sox. He then moved to the Rangers and made three more All-Star teams.

Beltre finished his career in Texas and retired after the 2018 season. In addition to his All-Star nominations, Beltre received five Gold Glove Awards and four Silver Slugger Awards.

Beltre popular with teammates

Beltre was well-liked and respected by his teammates. In fact, one of his former teammates, Elvis Andrus, spoke about Bally Sports Southwest at his induction ceremony on Saturday.

“Good evening, everyone… I’m very honored to be back,” Andrus said. “Talking about Adrian is actually quite simple… I believe God sent Adrian to me… What he did on and off the field was a blessing to me and my career… Show me the way, show me work ethic. I really enjoyed playing with Adrian. It’s so much fun every day… I could talk about it for days, Adrian, thank you brother. Everything you’ve done for me, for the organization, for all the fans.

“I know you hate it, I know you hate it when people talk about you, but I think you deserve it, brother. Everything you’ve done in your career for over 20 years, you more than deserve it. Congratulations, brother, I’m proud to call you my big brother.”

Beltre will always be remembered as a legend by Rangers fans. He was one of the best all-around third basemen in the game and now he is receiving a tremendous honor.