Proud Beltré cheering on son at Breakthrough Series
VERO BEACH, Fla. — Next yr is shaping as much as be a serious one within the spectacular profession of former Major League star Adrián Beltré, however the current isn’t too unhealthy both.
A 21-year massive league veteran, Beltré manned third base for 4 groups — the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers — earlier than retiring in 2018 on the age of 39.
The Dominican’s numbers that he posted are spectacular — a .286 common, 3,166 hits, 477 residence runs and 1,707 RBIs in 2,933 video games performed.
Beltré, 44, was a four-time All-Star choice, five-time Gold Glove winner and four-time Silver Slugger recipient. He is certainly one of simply 33 gamers to succeed in 3,000 hits, slotting seventeenth within the elite group.
Those accolades are ok to have already got him within the Rangers Hall of Fame and have his No. 29 retired, however subsequent January he turns into eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and is nearly assuredly destined for Cooperstown.
But Beltré returned to his skilled baseball roots over the weekend through the Breakthrough Series on the Jackie Robinson Training Complex to spend time together with his son — Adrián Beltré Jr., identified by many as merely A.J.
“It’s been nice,” mentioned Beltré, who performed on the advanced then often known as Dodgertown from 1998 to 2004 after being signed by Los Angeles. “I haven’t been in this place in 15 years, so it’s nice to come back and see my son practicing on the field that I used to, having fun and trying to develop a little bit better.”
The senior Beltré was a fixture on the legendary facility in his early 20s whereas making a reputation for himself.
A favourite amongst sportswriters, the affable Beltré may always be discovered telling tales and speaking baseball within the clubhouse behind Holman Stadium’s proper discipline.
Now he shares these valuable recollections with A.J.
“It’s nice to see him playing the game that he and I love,” the older Beltré mentioned. “This place is pretty special to me.”
A 2024 prospect who performs shortstop and pitches, A.J. is respectful of the sport after rising up in Major League clubhouses.
“It was a great experience, one that obviously not every kid could say he had,” mentioned Beltré, a Bradbury, Calif., native who’s uncommitted. “And it simply actually drove my love for the sport. I all the time beloved baseball, however being round massive leaguers daily was one thing actually particular for me — one thing I actually miss. But it was superior for me as a child and actually fueled my love for the sport.
“I feel like being the son of a big leaguer, seeing where they got to, what they were able to do, playing the game they love and getting paid for it, that’s always been a dream of mine. Baseball has just always been my life and something I really love.”
Beltré is simply a part of a legacy of former gamers sharpening their instruments at JRTC.
The son of former slugger Prince Fielder and grandson of highly effective Cecil Fielder, Jadyn Fielder is completely happy to be competing on the diamond with a lot excellent expertise, together with his buddy A.J.
Also an uncommitted 2024 infield prospect, Fielder appreciates the chance offered by MLB Develops.
“A lot of my friends have come here — Druw Jones and Carsten Sabathia, who are also sons of legends,” mentioned Fielder, who lives in Windermere, Fla., a suburb of Orlando. “The competition is always good with kids who kind of grew up like me. It’s nice to play against them.”
Like Beltré, Fielder has been round baseball since Day 1.
“Obviously, I was there [in clubhouses] my whole life,” mentioned Fielder, a 6-foot, 210-pound lefty hitter like his father. “I wasn’t starstruck by the large names like Miguel Cabrera or Josh Hamilton and all these guys, they usually all the time handled me like my dad, with respect, regardless that I used to be just a little child.
“Me and A.J. [Beltré], the first time we ever met was when we were seven at the 2011 All-Star Game. Ever since then, we’ve been real close, especially him and my brother [Haven].”
Sitting within the stands at Holman Stadium Saturday, Prince Fielder — who rapped a career-best 50 residence runs in 2007 for the Milwaukee Brewers — is treasuring the time together with his son.
“It’s a lot of fun,” mentioned 39-year-old Prince, who matched father Cecil’s 319 profession lengthy balls. “My dad performed, so he obtained to observe me arising. It’s all the time enjoyable to observe your son play as a result of it’s protecting the household custom. Lots of enjoyable watching him develop and simply turn into a person.
“My heart definitely beats a lot harder when he’s playing, for some reason. I’m not nervous, just excited. When I played, I was a little more nervous. When I watch him, I’m just excited.”
