Incheon: After playing for 21 years in Major League Baseball (MLB) in his Hall of Fame career, Adrian Beltre knows a few things about longevity and sustaining success. In his address to South Korean minor league players Wednesday, Beltre's message was straightforward: sacrifice the present for the future.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Beltre told the Futures League players for the Korea Baseball Organization club SSG Landers in their training facility on the western border island of Ganghwa, Incheon, "If you make your sacrifices today and endure difficult moments with your mental fortitude, then you can have a better career." The Dominican Republic native, speaking through a Spanish interpreter, emphasized the importance of mental strength in achieving long-term success. He also noted that many talented players failed to reach their potential due to a lack of perseverance in difficult times.
Beltre, a four-time All-Star who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024, was in South Korea along with former All-Star pitcher Cole Hamels. They were invited by their former Texas Rangers teammate Choo Shin-soo. Choo, after 16 MLB seasons, played for the Landers from 2021 to 2024 to wrap up his career and then became an adviser to the team's owner before this season. He organized the event to inspire Futures Leaguers with insights from former big leaguers. Beltre and Hamels were also scheduled to provide on-field instructions during their visit.
Reflecting on his career, Beltre, who amassed 477 home runs and 1,707 RBIs in 2,933 games with four teams, spoke about the importance of being driven and focused. "From my very first big-league at-bat to my last one, I always thought, 'If I do my best today, I can be even better tomorrow,'" he said. A five-time Gold Glove winner, Beltre attributed his success to his drive and determination, which helped him resist temptations throughout his career.
Beltre also highlighted the importance of communication within a team. "If I were the leader of this team, I would tell you that you should share what you have with your teammates and that you shouldn't be afraid of giving advice," he advised. He stressed that open communication and learning from teammates contribute to both individual and team growth.
In a lighter moment during the session, Beltre humorously recalled his struggles against South Korean pitcher Kim Byung-hyun, a former Arizona Diamondbacks player known for his submarine delivery. Beltre, who batted just 1-for-16 with eight strikeouts against Kim, joked, "He was the pitcher I hated the most. I never found a way to attack a submarine pitcher who could throw 95 miles per hour." He fondly remembered finally getting a hit off Kim when his velocity waned and celebrating the moment.