You’re going to witness a lot of historical events if you have 18 years of managerial experience.
For Athletics manager Bob Melvin, one of which was being able to witness the illustrious career of Texas Rangers infielder Adrian Beltre.
Beltre, who was inducted into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame on Saturday, received a warm ovation from the home crowd at Globe Life Field in Arlington during the ceremony.
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Shortly after, Melvin and Beltre exchanged a few words and a hug, along with third base coach Mark Kotsay and various members of the A’s team, including third baseman Matt Chapman.
Veteran Jed Lowrie embraced Beltre, along with Mitch Moreland, who played with Beltre and the Rangers from 2010-2016. The way Moreland embraced Beltre was talked about on a couple of broadcasts heading into the game.
"[Beltre] was a great player," Melvin said prior to the Saturday matchup. "He was entertaining to watch, great defender, power hitter, one of the clutchest hitters that you'll ever see. I feel like I knew him pretty well. Actually know him a little bit better, just his personality talking to Elvis [Andrus] this year, but somebody that you felt -- there's certain guys on other teams you feel a little bit closer to, he was one of those guys, but his numbers speak for themselves. He was a really, really good player and in my opinion deserves to be in the Hall."
Oakland Athletics
Melvin has had his fair share of Beltre moments having shared the AL West with him, and despite the competition, there was nothing but respect between the two.
In June of 2019, Beltre’s No. 29 uniform was retired with the organization during a pregame ceremony in which the Rangers were hosting the A’s. Melvin was at the top step of the dugout, ready to shake Beltre’s hand.
Beltre’s 21-year illustrious career included four All-Star selections, five Gold Glove and four Silver Slugger Awards along with two Platinum Glove honors.
He totaled 3,166 hits and 477 home runs along the way and should be a shoo-in for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
In one funny story that Melvin shared with NBC Sports California last year, former A’s outfielder Yoenis Céspedes had slid into third base while playing at Texas. Melvin and the training staff ran out to check on Céspedes when Beltre began one of his classic antics.
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"His ankle was a little funky -- we weren't really sure, I went out there, and [Cespedes'] English isn't very good, so Adrian was translating for us, which was really funny,” Melvin said. "I could tell at times, he was trying to get Cespedes out of the game and Cespedes was looking like 'No, no, no,' so it ended up being a funny situation, but I've spent a lot of time on the other side against Adrian."
Melvin will always have a level of respect for Beltre.