Beltre reaches 3,000 hits, first Dominican to do so

STEPHEN HAWKINS

ARLINGTON, Texas — Adrian Beltre doubled for his 3,000th career hit Sunday to become the 31st player — and first from the Dominican Republic — to reach that milestone in the major leagues.

The 38-year-old Texas Rangers star is in his 20th big league season. He is only the third player who is primarily a third baseman in the 3,000hit club, joining Hall of Famers George Brett and Wade Boggs.

Beltre grounded a 3-0 pitch ball hard down the line — appropriately past third base — and the ball ricocheted off the side wall and into left field. The double came off Baltimore Orioles lefty Wade Miley, who got Beltre out on a swinging strikeout in the second.

A banner was unfurled high above straightaway centre field congratulating Beltre on his 3,000th career hit. His family was seated in the front row near the dugout, and his three children — two daughters and his son Adrian Jr. — went to right-centre field to pull off the tarp that covered a logo commemorating the accomplishment that was on the wall in front of the Rangers bullpen.

On an afternoon with temperatures in the 90s, the sun-soaked crowd stood in anticipation and started cheering when Beltre was introduced in his 2,771st career game. All of his teammates crowded on the rail of their first-base dugout to be as close as possible, and were on the field to celebrate with him after the hit.

Even Orioles players, including Miley, applauded the accomplishment.

The milestone came only minutes after former Rangers catcher Ivan Rodriguez finished his induction speech at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. Barring unusual circumstances, getting 3,000 hits has traditionally been a ticket to the Hall.

“It’s one of those days that as a Ranger, you’ll forever remember that this is, on the calendar year, Ranger Day,” manager Jeff Banister said before the game, referring to Beltre as the “next Hall of Famer.”

After the fourth inning, a prerecorded message from Rodriguez in Cooperstown congratulating Beltre for 3,000 hits was played on the stadium video boards.

The only other current active player in the 3,000-hit club is Miami Marlins outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, who is tied with Hall of Fame player Craig Biggio for 22nd all-time at 3,060 hits.