Adrian Beltre was already destined to land in Cooperstown, N.Y., once the 38-year-old Texas Rangers’ third baseman decides to retire.
Sunday’s milestone moment, however, was a reminder to anyone who may be slow to the realization that he is one of the very best to ever play the game.
Beltre became the 31st player to reach the 3,000-hit mark with a hard-hit double down the left-field line in the fourth inning. It came on a 3-0 pitch, the first 3,000th hit to come on a such a count. It came against left-hander Wade Miley, who earned the win as the Baltimore Orioles tried to spoil the moment with a 10-6 win Sunday afternoon at Globe Life Park.