New Texas Rangers infielder Corey Seager speaks at a press conference at Globe Life Field Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. The Texas Rangers have finalized the contracts for their new half-billion dollar middle infield, wrapping up their deals Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 with two-time All-Star shortstop Corey Seager and Gold Glove second baseman Marcus Semien.(AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)
Texas Rangers legend Adrian Beltre talks upcoming MLB All-Star game and HOF induction
Former Texas Rangers star Adrian Beltre will be quite busy over the next month, starting with his role as ambassador for the 2024 MLB All-Star and ending with his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on July 21. Beltre, alongside former teammate Michael Young, will be a manager for the 25th annual All-Star Futures Game at 3:10 p.m. on July 13.
In a press conference on Thursday, Beltre spoke about his excitement and trepidation over what the next month holds for him. “It’s gonna be kinda crazy and I am looking forward to going back to Dallas to Texas and being part of this elite group of Rangers to help me or be part of this Futures Game and be part of the whole celebration of All-Star weekend. Then after that, we are flying to [Cooperstown],” “It’s a great accomplishment that I never expected to have, I am gonna try to enjoy it, but at the same time, I’m a little nervous about the speech,” said Beltre, “I’m not comfortable doing the public speech … hopefully everything goes fine and after that, I’ll be able to actually enjoy it.”
Beltre spent eight of his 21 MLB seasons with the Rangers from 2011-18 earning three of his four all-star selections while batting .304 with 199 home runs and 699 RBIs after starting his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dominican Republic native spoke about what his time with the the Rangers meant to him. “I’m really grateful for the Rangers and I cherish all these moments and I’m grateful that I was able to finish my last eight years with the Rangers because they were a really good eight years,” said Beltre.
Beltre will be joined by other Rangers great,s like Young and Ian Kinsler, throughout the all-star week and spoke about his excitement to be back with his teammates and to interact with fans. “You know, I’ve seen a bunch of them lately, but, seeing them all together would be fine, sharing the clubhouse with them kinda going back to stories [from when] we played together,” said Beltre, “It’s fun to interact with fans. They’ve always been such great fans for me, my family.” The 2024 MLB All-Star week festivities will start on Friday, July 12, with the HBCU Swingman Classic set to be played at Globe Life Field.
