Oh boy, the Baseball Hall of Fame dropped some news last Friday. They’ve finally decided on the cap logos for the Class of 2024’s plaques. So, here’s the scoop: Adrián Beltré is getting the Texas Rangers logo. Makes sense, right? Then, we’ve got Joe Mauer with the Minnesota Twins and Todd Helton rocking the Colorado Rockies. These guys stuck with their teams through thick and thin. And Jim Leyland? His plaque’s going bare. No logo at all.
Beltré, Mauer, and Helton got their nods to the Hall on Jan. 23. Leyland was a bit ahead of the game, getting picked by the Contemporary Baseball Era Non-Players Committee back in December. Beltré’s logo was a bit of a head-scratcher at first. I mean, the guy played for four teams over 21 years. But after an eight-year love affair with the Rangers, it kinda makes sense. He also did stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, and had a brief fling with the Boston Red Sox in 2010.
Beltré’s statement was all class. “I am grateful for the time I spent with all of my teams during my career,” he said. He acknowledged his peak years in Texas but gave a shoutout to every team he played with. And yes, they’ll all get a mention on his plaque. Talk about a team player.
Now, Beltré will join Nolan Ryan and Iván Rodríguez in the Rangers’ Hall of Fame corner. As for Leyland, he’s taking the high road, opting out of a team logo to honor all the teams he managed. It’s a classy move. Seems like the inductees get a say in their cap logo, but the Hall of Fame has the final word. This has ruffled some feathers in the past.
Mark your calendars, folks. July 21 is the big day for the induction ceremony in Cooperstown. Can’t wait to see these legends get their due.
