Elvis Andrus joins Rangers Hall with help from Beltré

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    Elvis Andrus, a familiar face to Texas Rangers fans, has earned his place in the franchise’s history by being inducted into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame. Andrus, who embarked on his Major League journey as the team’s starting shortstop in 2009 at the tender age of 20, is celebrated as a crucial component of the team’s first forays into the World Series.

    Known for his infectious enthusiasm and skill, Andrus formed a formidable duo with National Baseball Hall of Famer Adrian Beltré on the left side of the infield for eight memorable seasons. During a special ceremony, Andrus became the 27th member to join the illustrious ranks of the Rangers’ Hall of Fame, with Beltré himself presenting the symbolic blue blazer to his longtime teammate before they jointly revealed the new inductee’s plaque.

    Reflecting on this honor, Andrus expressed the surreal nature of seeing his career encapsulated on the plaque. “When we unveiled it, he’s like they wrote a lot of things on that. That was so funny, that was so Adrian,” he said, reminiscing about his past with Beltré.

    A cornerstone for the Rangers, Andrus has left an indelible mark, starting a record 1,605 games at shortstop and leading the franchise with 305 stolen bases. His accomplishments include second-place ranks in games played (1,652), at-bats (6,366), triples (48), and sacrifice hits (100). He also sits third in hits (1,743) and runs (893), consistently playing over 145 games in ten seasons.

    Andrus’s tenure with Texas included back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011. His journey took him to Oakland and then to the Chicago White Sox before concluding in 2023. Officially retiring as a Ranger, Andrus signed a ceremonial one-day contract last September.

    The ennobling event featured Andrus standing at shortstop alongside former teammates Mitch Moreland, Michael Young, and Beltré, culminating in an “around-the-horn” throw that preceded the Rangers’ thrilling 3-2 triumph over Seattle in an extra-inning affair. It was a heartfelt moment that resonated with Andrus’s joyful spirit. “He was like, ‘Man, even when you retire, you don’t throw it in the chest,’” Andrus humorously recounted about Beltré’s playful critique.

    In addition to Andrus, Beltré, Young, and fellow former second baseman Ian Kinsler, though Kinsler couldn’t attend, hold this prestigious honor — a testament to Andrus’s enduring legacy with the team.

    During his initial appearance in 2009, Young, the franchise’s career leader in games, at-bats, hits, and runs, transitioned to third base from his All-Star stint as a shortstop to accommodate the rising Andrus. Young commended Andrus’s character, highlighting his humility and work ethic. “He always gives so much credit away. It goes to show you what kind of person he is, but he’s here because he did all the work. He did everything. He earned it,” Young stated, underscoring Andrus’s well-earned recognition and enduring impact.