The Texas Rangers will unveil a bronze statue of Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre on Friday at Globe Life Field, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s most iconic players.
Hundreds of fans are expected to gather for the ceremony, which celebrates Beltre’s eight standout seasons in Arlington and his lasting impact on North Texas sports culture.
The Rangers said the statue will be unveiled on Friday afternoon near the Northeast Plaza entrance, with fans being able to see the statue during the day before the Rangers take on the Cleveland Guardians at 7:05 p.m., per NBC 5 DFW.
The organization will then host a ceremony on Saturday at 5:50 p.m. before the Rangers take on the Guardians for Game 2 at 6:05 p.m. The first 20,000 fans to enter the ballpark on Saturday will receive a replica statue, and Beltre will sign autographs for one hour behind section 101 on the main concourse.
Parking lots are expected to begin opening around 2 p.m. for this event.
The statue, sculpted by Granbury artist Mike Tabor, depicts Beltre at the plate with his glove under his arm and his unmistakable smile preserved for generations, according to NBC 5.
Beltre recently discussed the statue and said Tabor “has done an unbelievable job” with crafting his likeness.
“Obviously, I wanted it to look as close to my face as possible. I’ve seen different statues that don’t really look like that person. I got my family involved in it, especially my kids. … So my whole family was really pleased with it. I’m more than pleased with it,” he added, as reported by The Dallas Morning News.
Beltre said he is still in shock that it has become a reality, explaining that he never would have imagined his career resulting in this type of recognition.
“I think that a kid coming from the Dominican Republic, from humble beginnings, and just being happy to play baseball. And baseball became your passion. And then you get to actually play professionally, then make that your career,” Beltre said.
“And then be able to play in the best baseball in the world, best competition, and be able to be consistent for years. Then having a statue made up here, I can’t fathom it,” he added, per DMN.
Beltre retired in 2018 after amassing more than 3,000 career hits across 21 seasons in the major leagues, with over 1,200 of these hits coming in a Rangers uniform.
This tenure in Texas also included four Gold Gloves, four playoff appearances, and one trip to the World Series in 2011.
Over the course of his eight seasons (2011-2018) with the Rangers, Beltre managed to put up a batting average of .305 while also accumulating an on-base-plus-slugging average of .866, claiming a spot in the top 15 of the American League MVP list six times, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Now, Rangers fans will forever be able to remember his contributions to the franchise when they visit Globe Life Field.