Adrian Beltre retires from baseball

Adrian Beltre, one of the greatest third baseman in baseball history who became a member of the 3,000-hit club with the Texas Rangers, announced Tuesday morning that he is retiring.

He does so as the all-time leader in hits by a third baseman with 3,166 — 1,277 of those coming over eight seasons with the Rangers. Beltre also has 477 home runs, 636 doubles, and a .286 average over 21 seasons with four teams.

Beltre, 39, broke into the major leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1998 at age 19. He joined the Rangers before the 2011 season and came within a strike of the one goal he wanted in his career — a World Series title.

Beltre, who won five Gold Gloves at third, is almost certain to be inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He will first appear on the ballot in five years.

“After careful consideration and many sleepless nights, I have made the decision to retire from what I’ve been doing my whole life, which is playing baseball, the game I love,” Beltre said in a statement after informing the Rangers on Monday night.

“I have thought about it a lot and although I appreciate all the opportunities and everything that baseball has given me, it’s time to call it a career. I have enjoyed the privilege of playing professional baseball since I was 15 years old. I have been blessed to have played 21 seasons at the highest level in Major League Baseball.

“I want to thank God, my amazing wife, Sandra, for your unwavering and unconditional love, support and understanding throughout my entire baseball career, my three awesome children, Cassie, A.J and Camila for being the best baseball kids, my parents, and my entire family for all your love and support.