Latin Lord Adrian Beltre returned from the disabled list on Thursday night with his strained left hamstring healed and collected two singles in a 6-1 Rangers loss to the Mariners. The hits moved his lofty career total to 3,082 as he surpassed Hall of Famer Cap Anson for 22nd on the all-time hits list. Next up is the incomparable Ichiro Suzuki, who sits at 3,089.
Texas Rangers on Twitter
The is back and already rewriting history. With two singles tonight, Beltr passes Cap Anson for 22nd on the all-time hits list. https://t.co/9DSHacY0Uq
“We’ve seen it before,” Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. “He continues to impress every time he is on the field for us. It’s amazing what he does. It’s great just to have him back on the field. He had a couple of good hits and quality at-bats all around. He never stops amazing us at what he is able to do.”
In 2017, Beltre didnt only become the 31st player in MLB history to reach the coveted 3,000 hits plateau. He also strengthened his claim to the title of best MLB player of all-time from the Dominican Republic as he is the first of a deep and plentiful list of superb players from the Caribbean island to achieve the statistical milestone.
Texas Rangers on Twitter
Watch Adrian become the 31st player to join the 3,000 career hit club. #Beltre3k https://t.co/4rUTmeXb2H
In recent years, DR has become MLB’s most fertile and cherished breeding grounds.There are Dominican players with 500 and 600 plus homers, but none with the longevity consistency and consistent All-Star production of the 39-year-old Beltre, who is already getting Cooperstown co-signs from BBWAA voters while still producing, creating and innovating on a high level with the bat and glove.
Rob Parker on Twitter
Yes, 3,000 hits get MY vote automatically. Only 31 players have reached that milestone. It’s an incredible feat. https://t.co/HWGomRX52w
It’s a given that Beltre is one of the greatest third basemen in history. While Manny Ramirez, A-Rod, and Big Papi Ortiz stole most of the headlines and juice when discussing the greatest Dominican diamond-miners, Beltre quietly outlasted all of these guys. He has survived any PED suspicions and is coming down the HOF stretch.
He’s still kickin’ it with the young boys. Dropping jewels. Keeping it loose after 21 seasons, 463 career homers and a trailer load of memories as an inspiration for the current Latin explosion in MLB.
