Andrus joins buddy Beltré -- who's getting a statue -- in Rangers HOF

ARLINGTON -- Elvis Andrus spent years terrorizing Adrian Beltré -- in the best way possible -- on the baseball field. The two are like brothers, and their antics are famous among Rangers fans.

When Texas announced on Wednesday that Andrus would join Beltré in the Rangers Hall of Fame, it was only right that Beltré join in on the fun of the announcement.

“They’re just letting everybody in now, so you made it,” Beltré joked on Zoom.

“Congratulations my brother,” he added seriously. “It’s well deserved. It is an honor for me to have you in this group. You’re so special to me, the way you play the game, having fun, playing all those games, the way you led our team and our ballclub. You were the engine that we had in the first or second spot in the lineup. For me and for all the guys, I can speak for them too, it was a pleasure having you so seriously, congratulations.”

Andrus started more games at one position -- shortstop -- than any player in franchise history. He’s been a longtime fan favorite, even in the years following his departure from the organization.

It’s only right that he’s properly honored for his efforts. Andrus becomes the 27th member of the club’s Hall of Fame. He will be inducted in a pregame ceremony on Saturday, June 28, ahead of a matchup with the Mariners at Globe Life Field.

“They really do let everybody in,” Andrus joked in response to Beltré. “But no, it is an honor. I did not expect this. Being in the Hall with [Beltré], alongside with you, and the rest of the list is just a blessing. I can’t wait that day, to see you all on the field that day, so we can share it together. It's a dream come true, something that I did not plan. I'm very honored to be part of the group.”

Andrus retired as a Ranger on Sept. 6, 2024, after spending 15 seasons in the big leagues with Texas (2009-'20), the A's ('21-'22) and the White Sox ('22-'23). He posted a career .269/.325/.370 (.695 OPS) slash line with 102 home runs, 775 RBI, and 347 stolen bases in 2,059 games. In this century (2000-24), Andrus’ 1,966 games at shortstop are third most in MLB behind Jimmy Rollins (2,227) and Derek Jeter (2,037).

Andrus was signed by the Braves out of Venezuela at 16 years old, but was acquired by the Rangers at the 2007 Trade Deadline in a deal that sent Mark Teixeira and Ron Mahay to Atlanta. Andrus said that he even considered signing with the Rangers out of Venezuela, and when he got traded to Texas, it felt like fate.

He made his MLB debut at 20 years old in 2009, joining a jam-packed Rangers infield with the likes of Michael Young and Ian Kinsler. Hall of Famer Beltré joined them in 2011.

As an exciting young player, Andrus finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2009. He was an All-Star in 2010 at age 21 and again in 2012 at 23. He helped the Rangers to a pair of AL pennants in 2010-11.

From those 2010-11 teams, Andrus, Beltré, Young, Kinsler and Josh Hamilton are all now inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame.

“I was a young buck in those years,” Andrus said, “and the person, the man that I am right now is because of Adrian, Ian and Michael … those role models that showed me not only how to be a good baseball player, but how to be a good human being all around.

“I was blessed to be part of this group and learn and try to copy and emulate as much as I could. Literally, that's what I did for the majority of my career. I just elevated my game to a level that I think they’re the reason that I'm being inducted. I’ll never be tired of saying it.”

In his 12 seasons with the Rangers, Andrus slashed .274/.330/.372. He is the all-time franchise leader in stolen bases with 305, 133 more than any other player. He recorded 20 or more steals 10 times and 30 or more five times. He also has a club record seven steals of home.

Andrus ranks second in club history in total games (1,652), at-bats (6,366) and triples (48). He ranks among the Rangers' lifetime leaders in runs (3rd, 893), hits (3rd, 1,743), doubles (5th, 303), total bases (5th, 2,370), multihit games (5th, 451), walks (6th, 516) and RBIs (7th, 636).

The Rangers will also unveil a statue honoring Beltré on Aug. 22. The statue, created by Texas artist Mike Tabor, will be located outside the Northeast Entrance Plaza of Globe Life Field.

Beltré joins Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan and Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez with statues in Arlington. The three are the only players to go into the National Baseball Hall of Fame with Rangers caps on.

No other details about the statue will be released until the dedication in August.

“Of course, this is an honor,” Beltré said. “It was a surprise when they mentioned it last year. It’s not something I expected. I can’t wait to see how it looks. Hopefully they can make me look nice and handsome.”

“That’s going to be hard!” Andrus joked.