Former Texas Rangers star Adrián Beltré sat down on The Dallas Morning News’ SportsDay Rangers podcast with Evan Grant and Rangers’ senior advisor and team historian John Blake to preview his upcoming statue outside Globe Life Field, reflect on the honor, and share what it felt like to return to Cooperstown this year for the Hall of Fame festivities.
Beltré said the statue project has gone smoothly, praising the sculptor, Mike Tabor, for capturing his likeness with an astonishing level of detail. He described the process as surprisingly thorough, with Zoom meetings that allowed him to provide essential measurements, angles, and even specifics about the glove and shoes from the day he was celebrated. He noted that the final clay model looked strikingly like him, including the goatee and eyes, and that his family played a key role in approving the look, especially his kids who happily critiqued every aspect.
On the input side, Beltré indicated his involvement was mainly technical—making sure the statue would resemble him as closely as possible. He appreciated that the artist could work from afar and that the team could still achieve a faithful representation. The family’s positive reaction reinforced his confidence that the statue will stand as a proud tribute for generations of Rangers fans.
Beltré also reflected on the symbolism of a statue outside the ballpark. He spoke about his journey from humble beginnings in the Dominican Republic to becoming a celebrated big-league player, and how surreal it will be to see his face displayed for fans who visit the stadium for years to come. He acknowledged the sense of fulfillment that comes with such recognition and admitted he never imagined reaching this level of honor.
Turning to his return to Cooperstown, Beltré contrasted this year’s induction with his own ceremony last year. The first experience was filled with excitement and nerves as he prepared for a speech and shared the moment with family and friends. This year, the mood was more relaxed, as the focus shifted to fellow inductees, including a former teammate like Ichiro Suzuki who also earned enshrinement. Beltré offered praise for Ichiro’s speech, noting that although it was challenging to deliver in a second language, he delivered with heart and humor. He recalled the difficulty of public speaking and offered Ichiro encouragement ahead of his moment on stage.
Beltré described the Hall of Fame as a sacred, welcoming place where you encounter players you idolized and others you played with, all within a special circle. He said he plans to attend as often as possible, not only to support new inductees but to stay connected with a community that means a great deal to him.
As for the broader Rangers coverage, Beltré’s reflections underscore the lasting impact of his career and the franchise’s ongoing efforts to honor its legends. The statue ceremony and Cooperstown memories highlight a rare blend of personal achievement and enduring fan connection.
Additional context and value:
– The statue’s timeline remains set for completion by December to ship to the foundry and be ready within seven months, with Beltré participating in the final details from distance when possible.
– The conversation reinforces Beltré’s enduring relationship with the Rangers organization and his eagerness to participate in yearly Hall of Fame activities, a testament to the strong bonds built during his time in Texas.
If you’re a Rangers fan, this piece captures the emotional resonance of a franchise legend being honored in multiple dimensions—from a physical monument outside the ballpark to a hall-of-fame tribute that cements his legacy in baseball history. Beltré’s story also serves as an inspirational reminder of perseverance, humility, and the enduring value of family support in achieving lifelong dreams.