According to Michael Young, he recognized Adrian Beltré’s Hall of Fame potential early on. Although he wasn’t entirely sure of Beltré’s future greatness while he was with the Mariners, once Beltré joined the Texas Rangers, it became evident.

Young reflected on this realization, saying, “When you play alongside someone, you gain a deeper respect for their approach to the game. Even if Beltré went 0-for-3, he wouldn’t let that affect his next at-bat. He’d immediately bounce back with a hit, carrying that momentum forward. He was always focused, never slacking off in defense or giving away any plays.

“It’s these little things that made me realize how extraordinary Beltré was. As soon as we became teammates, it was clear he was a special player. Considering he started his big league career at just 19, his impressive career numbers were undeniable. It quickly became apparent that he was a sure thing for first-ballot Hall of Fame induction.”

Former Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus concurred, noting that he believed Beltré would become a Hall of Famer as long as he stayed healthy. Even when Beltré wasn’t at his best physically, he continued to play through it.

“And guys like him, the Hall of Fame is just a certainty,” Andrus added.

Former Rangers president of baseball operations Jon Daniels, who played a key role in bringing Beltré to Texas after the team’s American League pennant win in 2010, noted that the front office recognized the need for a standout bat to complement one of the top teams in baseball at the time.

The Rangers received much more than they anticipated.

“I can’t pinpoint the exact moment, but at some point, it shifted from ‘This is a really great player’ to ‘This is undoubtedly a Hall of Famer,’” Daniels remarked. “It happened so quickly, there was never any doubt. While we were confident that we were acquiring an exceptional player, we didn’t fully anticipate the level of performance he would deliver. He far surpassed all expectations.”

In addition to his impressive performance on the field, Beltré was also well-known for his playful antics, both during games and away from them. From his interactions with Andrus throughout games to his memorable actions like pulling the on-deck circle before being ejected, his lively presence was unmistakable.

Beltré’s deep love for baseball was central to his role as a leader in the Rangers’ clubhouse over the years.

“Part of my approach was simply to have fun and enjoy the game,” Beltré explained. “I believe that’s why I was able to play for so long and truly enjoy what I did. 

I saw it as more than just a job—it was a game we were fortunate enough to be paid to play. With so much passion for the sport, why not enjoy it? I aimed to do whatever I could to stay happy and savor the game.”.

As much as his dynamic play on the field, Beltré was also known for his antics, both on and off of it. From time with Andrus throughout games, to pulling the on-deck circle before an ejection and many more.

Beltré, first and foremost, loved the game of baseball. That’s what made him such a leader in the Rangers’ clubhouse for so many years.