Adrian Beltre's 3,000th Hit Part IV: The Letdown

We've gone through almost 28,000 words in the past three days and has gone through three different types of history. When we left off, Adrian Beltre is at 2,998 hits, and I had just gotten the day off for Saturday and was preparing to go watch him make a chance at history on July 29, 2017. Can he do it? Find out next, on...

Or the Complete Story About How I Got to See Another One of the Greatest Milestones in the History of Baseball

Part I: The Introduction
Part II: The Player
Part III: The Set-Up
Part IV: The Letdown (you are here)
Part V: The Moment (January 30)
Part VI: The Aftermath (July 30)

I had a free day to head over to the ballpark in Arlington, but there were still some questions that I had to answer before I made the trip. Chief among those was when I should head up. The game starts at 7:05, but clearly I wanted to get there early enough to be at a good position when gates opened to get down close to the field. However, I had gotten a hotel at a Candlewood Suites not too far away because I figured I'd go to both games even if he got to the milestone that day, and I didn't want to have to drive back between games. Hotels usually have a time where we can start checking in, so I was thinking if I should park at the game and then drive to the hotel. However, I was bringing some extra clothes and a backpack with my laptop so I didn't want to leave those in the car all day. Ultimately I decided to leave at around 10:00. That would give me time to get some food in Fort Worth, and maybe when I get to the hotel I can check in, then I can just take a Lyft to the ballpark.

So that was what I did. I got up around 9:30 and left my apartment around 10:00. I got to Fort Worth around noon and stopped by the pho place I used to go to a lot in medical school. After I ate I drove to the hotel, hoping that they'd let me check in. Thankfully, even though it was only a little after 1:00, they let me check in. Things were looking up! I dropped my stuff off in my hotel room and went out to order a Lyft bringing only my Countdown sign, my phone, and a portable battery. My ride arrived and drove me to the ballpark. I was watching the intro video for Ivan Rodriguez for his Hall of Fame induction on the way.

It was around 2:00 by the time I arrived at the ballpark. I walked to the First Base Gate, which was closest to the dugout, and of course, there was nobody else that was there. After all, it was three hours before gates opened, and it was a hot and sunny day. I decided to go check out the team store, which was open. I went in and bought a magazine that comes with a scorecard. I decided to go back out to the first base gate and wait in the shade until somebody comes by. At around 3:00 a car stopped by and an older gentleman walked out carrying a stool and walked to the spot in front of the gate. I walked over and talked with him. He says that he was here primarily for the Rougned Odor High Five bobblehead that they were giving out. He says that he was going to get the bobblehead and leave. He didn't really care to stay for the game or the milestone. We waited a little bit longer, and then there was a lady wearing an Odor jersey that was standing next to a post where there was some shade. I walked over and asked what she was there for. She says she was also there for the bobblehead.

As time went down there eventually got to be more people. Most of them all said they were there for the bobblehead. People were certainly aware of the milestone, but the giveaway was what was driving them to go to the ballpark. Nevertheless, there was an electricity in the crowd as people felt pretty sure that he was going to get it that night. Eventually the line stretched well around the corner. It was brutally sunny and I was using my sign as a makeshift umbrella. Soon the security folks came out and brought out the metal detectors and set up the tables. I had to go to a bag line because the bag I had from the team store consisted of a bag, but I was near the front of the line. And then we waited until the security people got the okay to let us all in. It was a little after 5:00 when they gave the okay, and we all rushed in.

Once we were in, I stopped to get my ticket scanned, and picked up the bobblehead. After that I hurried down to the Rangers dugout, the place where Adrian was signing during that Washington game. Unfortunately, by then the Rangers had finished with their batting practice and were off the field, and the Orioles were out. I was somewhat annoyed that we never get to see the home team practice by the time we got in. I stood behind the dugout for an hour, but nothing was happening. No players were coming out. Finally at 6:00 I decided to head to my seat.

I was sitting in row 3 of Section 328 along the first base side. It was just one row behind where I sat when I watched the 2010 World Series. Even though it was in the upper deck, it was still a good view of the field. I held up my sign, hoping that maybe the cameras can catch it, although I wasn't terribly optimistic because the cameras rarely go to the upper deck. Even though I normally don't like getting ballpark food because it's generally so expensive, I couldn't help but get a drink for the souvenir cup because I like collecting the souvenir cups. Unfortunately, the souvenir cups for the Rangers were a cheap, flimsy plastic cup with a boring design unlike the solid cups with decorative designs that were being sold at the other stadiums. I also got a lemon Sno-blast because I like getting them at ballparks.

It was about 7:07 when Rangers rookie Austin Bibens-Dirkx threw the first pitch to Orioles center fielder Adam Jones. Bibens-Dirkx was one of the more inspirational stories of the 2017 Rangers. He was initially drafted in the 16th round in the 2006 amateur draft, a position where it was possible to make the Majors, but the odds were against you. He signed immediately and managed to get as high as AAA in his first professional season, but struggled with inconsistency in the next several seasons. He passed through the Mariners, Cubs, Nationals, Cubs, and Blue Jays before signing with the Rangers. He pitched in Venezuelan and Dominican Winter Leagues as well as in independent leagues to keep his dream alive. Finally, he received his call-up to the Majors, and made his debut in May at the age of 32. He was initially used as a seasoned arm in the bullpen, but injuries to some starters forced him into the rotation, where he was able to turn in a few good performances: a seven inning, one-run against the Nationals on June 10 (when I was at my college reunion), and another one against the Yankees on June 24. His other starts weren't as good, so he pitched intermittently until an injury to starter Tyson Ross led him to make the start in this potentially historic game.

Bibens-Dirkx wanted to pitch well to help ensure that he can stay in the big leagues. Meanwhile, the crowd wanted him to get the Orioles out quickly to ensure that Adrian Beltre can come to the plate sooner. However, Adam Jones belted a long fly ball to deep center field. It bounced on the warning track and flew over the fence for a ground-rule double. The next two batters grounded out to Adrian before a walk and a strikeout got the Rangers out of the inning.

Adrian has been the number four hitter, generally known as the cleanup hitter, since he arrived to the Rangers in 2011. The cleanup hitter spot is usually reserved for the power bat in the lineup, because if the first three batters get on base, the cleanup hitter can "clean up" the bases by driving them all in. Adrian batting fourth means that if somebody gets on base in the first, then there's a good chance that Adrian can come to the plate. However, if anybody is to get on base then they'd have to do it against the Orioles starter, Kevin Gausman. Gausman was the Orioles' #1 draft pick (and fourth overall) in the 2012 draft. He was their top pitching prospect, and advanced through the minors so quickly that he was in the majors in 2013, less than a year after he was drafted. Gausman has dealt with inconsistencies and injuries, but he had a very good season in 2016 when he put up a 3.61 ERA in 179 and 2/3 innings, although he went 9-12. He had struggled in 2017 with a 5.79 ERA going into the game, but he did throw a fine game against the Rangers ten days earlier, allowing only one run in six innings and striking out eight. Adrian got only one hit that day, a double for hit #2983.

Leadoff man and designated hitter Shin-Soo Choo drew a leadoff walk against Gausman, which elicited applause from the crowd, because it greatly increased the chance that Adrian would come up in the first. They were just hoping that the next batter, shortstop and chief Adrian tormentor Elvis Andrus wouldn't hit into a double play. The fans held their breath as Elvis hit a slow roller up the middle that could have been a double play, but by the time Orioles shortstop Ruben Tejada got to the ball he couldn't flip it to second baseman Jonathan Schoop in time to make the play. It was a base hit, and all but guarantees Adrian will come up in the first. The only thing that would keep it from happening was if the next batter, right fielder Nomar Mazara, hits into a triple play. Nomar hit it on the ground towards first, but the Orioles could only turn a double play.

While the crowd was disappointed in the double play, they still stood and cheered, for Adrian Beltre was coming to the plate. Fans were pulling out their cameras and phones to record a potential 2,999th hit, hoping that if he can get it this at bat, then he'd have more chances to get it this game. Adrian has always been an aggressive hitter and often swings at the first pitch, thinking that the pitcher is often trying to throw a strike to get ahead. He did the same on Gausman's first pitch, but could only foul tip it into the glove of catcher Caleb Joseph. He hit the second pitch on the ground towards left field. Fans were hoping that the ball could get past shortstop Tejada, but Tejada ran over and got to the ball, then planted his feet and made a strong throw to the first baseman, former Rangers teammate Chris Davis. Fans were hoping that Adrian can beat the throw, but the throw beat him by a step for the third out. The fans would have to wait a little longer for hit 2,999.

Two of the first three hitters in the top of the second hit the ball out of the ballpark to give the Orioles a 2-0 lead. Shortstop Tejada, who made the play to rob Adrian on the hit, reached on an error by Rangers first baseman Mike Napoli where Rangers manager Jeff Banister challenged on a tag play, but he is erased in a double play to send play to the bottom of the second. Rangers fans were hoping that the Rangers can get the two runs back, but while center fielder Carlos Gomez singled and stole second, he is stranded. The Orioles add two more runs in the third when Bibens-Dirkx loaded the bases on a Schoop double and two walks, then followed that with an RBI fielder's choice/failed double play and an RBI single.

The Rangers were down 4-0 when Joey Gallo came to the plate in the bottom of the third. He was the Rangers' top prospect for several years thanks to his prodigious power, but as a third baseman his progress was blocked by Adrian Beltre. He finally got some playing time with Adrian's calf problems, and was among the league leaders in home run with 25. It looked like he was about to get his 26th when he slammed a high fly ball to deepest center field. Center fielder Jones kept his eyes on the ball, and when he got to the wall he leaped and snagged the ball nonchalantly before it went over the fence. Replays showed that it would have gone over the fence had Jones not caught it. It was a crushing blow for the Rangers as it kept them from getting a run back, and also made it more difficult for Adrian to come up that inning. And while Choo singled to give the crowd some hope, Elvis and Nomar both struck out swinging to ensure Adrian would have to wait until the fourth to get 2,999.

Bibens-Dirkx made quick work of the Orioles in the fourth. Tejada grounded out, then Jones grounded to Adrian. Orioles third baseman Manny Machado singled, but then Schoop flied out.

Then the crowd began to buzz with anticipation, for Adrian Beltre was due to lead off the fourth. Once Gausman finished his warm-up tosses the crowd began to stand up and cheer, eager for the chance to see history again. As the chants of "Let's go, Beltre!" went ringing around the stadium, Gausman's first two pitches missed outside. The crowd was starting to get somewhat antsy. It would be so upsetting for Adrian to walk and ruin a chance to get closer to 3,000. Gausman's third pitch caught a little bit more of the plate. Adrian swung and grounded it to the left side. However, the key difference was that Tejada couldn't get to it in time. Adrian Beltre has hit number 2,999.

The crowd cheered and celebrated and celebrated and cheered as Adrian took his time at first base. Not only does Adrian have 2,999, but he got it early enough in the game that he likely has two more chances to get the milestone hit. And, with the Rangers down by four it's always great to have the leadoff man on. The next hitter was first baseman Napoli, who is on his third stint with the Rangers. He became somewhat of a folk hero in his first stint and probably would have gotten MVP had the Rangers not fucked it up like Bert Blyleven. He collapsed like Josh Hamilton late in the 2012 season, then went to the Red Sox and won a World Series title. His second stint came in the 2015 season when he was brought back to help the Rangers come back to win the division, but Napoli only went 1 for 7. He then went to the Indians and almost won another World Series title. Finally he came back to try to help the Rangers win a third straight division title. However, up to that point he was struggling to keep his batting average above .200, and in this particular at-bat he fouled off five of Gausman's pitches after reaching a two-strike count, but on the 10th pitch he grounded a ball to Machado, who almost leisurely started an around-the-horn double play to erase the runner Adrian Beltre. The crowd  groaned in frustration at another scoring opportunity wasted. The following batter second baseman Rougned Odor singled, but Gomez struck out to end the inning.

Bibens-Dirkx hit Chris Davis with a pitch that just grazed Davis's shoulder to lead off the fifth. Davis got all the way to third on a throwing error by Odor who was trying to double him off on a pop fly by Machado. However, Bibens-Dirkx got out of the inning with no damage. Meanwhile Gausman continued to tear through the Rangers lineup. He retired the first two batters easily before allowing an hard hit single to Choo that Davis couldn't glove. The crowd came to life, thinking this could be the start of a rally that can score some runs and get Adrian up to bat once again. Alas, Gausman put an end to that dream by retiring Elvis.

The crowd was getting somewhat restless as Tony Barnette came out to pitch in the sixth inning. Barnette is another pitcher with a circuitous route to the majors. He was originally drafted in the 10th round of the 2006 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He progressed stepwise through the Diamondbacks' minor league system, but then struggled with their AAA Reno Aces in 2009. The Diamondbacks left him unprotected four the Rule 5 draft, but the only team that came calling was the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball, who were interested in the young pitcher. Barnette struggled in his first season as a starter in Japan, but they transitioned him to relief and his career took off. He became the Swallow's closer and in 2015 he saved 41 games for them while helping them get to the Japan Series. His successes in Japan caught the eyes of Major League teams, and Barnette decided to go through the posting system where Major League teams submit bids to the NPB teams for the rights to negotiate with the player. The Rangers won the rights to Barnette, and they signed him to a two-year contract. Barnette was terrific while leading the Rangers to the AL West title in 2016. He wasn't quiet as sharp in 2017, as his ERA got as high as 7.23 at one point. He had gotten it down to 5.87 by the time he warmed up on July 29. The crowd wasn't sure which version of Barnette to expect, but he showed it was Barnette at his best by striking out the side.

There was a palpable buzz as the Rangers came to bat in the bottom of the sixth. Part of it was from a sense that Gausman isn't going to shut the Rangers down forever. Moreover, Adrian was due to hit second, and there was a strong feeling that some history can be made. There was a slight pause in the cheering once Nomar was called out on strikes, but the cheering started back up again as Adrian came to the plate. Once again the crowd cheered and got their phones and cameras ready to record history. His wife Sandra, his parents Negrito and Andrea, and his three children Cassandra, Adrian Jr., and Canila were positioned behind home plate, ready to run out of the field if history can be made. Gausman threw a sinker, and Adrian swung aggressively, hitting a slow roller to the left side. Shortstop Tejada fielded it and threw it to first to get Adrian easily. So much for history. Napoli then struck out to end the sixth. During the inning break, the paid attendance was announced at 44,658. It was the third largest crowd at home to that point in the season, behind only Opening Day and the first home game against the Red Sox. Surely not all of them came for the Odor bobblehead. That was a good sign of just how big this moment is going to be for Rangers fans.

As much acclaim Adrian has gotten for his hitting, his fielding is still what sets him apart from other third basemen. And Adrian went into the game working on a 62-game error-less streak, with his last error coming in the ninth inning against the Indians on August 27, 2016. He had handled his first three chances of the game without any difficulties. Machado led off the seventh with a sharply-hit bouncer towards third. Adrian backhanded the ball without much difficulty deep in the third base hole, then threw towards first baseman Napoli. The ball started sinking and bounced before getting to Napoli, who couldn't field it cleanly. The ball bounced away towards the dugout, and Machado hurried to second base for a two-base error. It was clearly an error on Adrian, and ended his streak of error-less games at 62. The crowd was stunned, and wondered how much the failure to secure the milestone hit affected his fielding. (Probably not a lot once you come down to it.)

With a runner at second, Barnette pitched to the right-handed Schoop and got him to strike out for the first out. The next batter was the left-handed Davis. Barnette is right-handed, and it is a generally accepted baseball fact that when the pitcher and hitter play from the same side (as in a right handed pitcher facing a right handed hitter), then the advantage goes to the pitcher, but when they play from opposite sides the advantage goes to the hitter. The Rangers were already down four, and with Davis's power and platoon advantage he could easily make it a five or six-run deficit, so Banister opted to walk Davis to face the next two hitters, both of whom were right-handed. A new rule instituted prior to the season allowed for an intentional walk without any pitches, so with a signal from Banister, Davis was allowed to jog to first base. And Barnette struck out the next two batters to give him a remarkable six in two innings of work.

After the seventh inning stretch, the Rangers had another trip to the plate. Adrian was guaranteed another plate appearance provided he doesn't get removed for a pinch-hitter or for defensive purposes, neither of which were likely. The crowd was hoping for some baserunners to give the Rangers more chances at runs and Adrian more chances to get his 3,000th hit. However, Gausman was on the top of his game, and retired Odor, Gomez, and catcher Jonathan Lucroy to record his second straight one-two-three inning. Barnette came out for his third inning of work in the top of the eighth. He allowed a walk to Tejada, but recorded three groundouts to limit the damage.

By the bottom of the 8th, the crowd was hoping that the Rangers could get SOMETHING done against Gausman. A four-run deficit is not insurmountable, but they were running out of opportunities. Gausman squashed any hopes of that happening by retiring Gallo, Choo, and Elvis. With Barnette having gone three innings, Banister decided to make a change and sent Dominican rookie Jose Leclerc to pitch the ninth. Machado led off with a foul pop-up to the left field side. Adrian, probably still fuming from the error in the seventh, ran back to foul territory and made a nice grab of the pop-up to retire his counterpart. Schoop followed with a walk, but Banister decided to let Leclerc throw to Davis, and Davis struck out. Leclerc threw a wild pitch while facing designated hitter Mark Trumbo, but Trumbo lined to Elvis to end the inning and send the game to the bottom of the ninth.

The crowd was bubbling with anticipation as the game went to the bottom of the 9th. This was the last chance for the Rangers to come back, and with him due up second in the inning this would be the last chance for Adrian to get hit 3,000. With his pitch count just north of 100 pitches, Gausman was allowed to go out to try to record the last three outs to record the second complete game in his career, and potentially his first complete game shutout. The crowd was just waiting for Gausman to crack. And it seemed to happen when Gausman walked Nomar to lead off the ninth.

The crowd immediately started standing up and cheering. The Rangers finally had a runner on base, and more importantly Adrian was coming to the plate. Once again, his family was positioned where they can run out on the field, while most everybody else was pulling out their cameras to remember the moment. Adrian swung at Gausman's first pitch, but fouled it off of his own left ankle. After walking off the initial sting, Adrian settled back into the batter's box. Gausman's second pitch missed inside. Gausman threw a fastball for his third pitch, and Adrian pulled it to the left side. Third baseman Machado fielded it on a short hop, then threw it to second baseman Schoop to get Nomar, and Schoop threw it to Davis to complete the double play. Not only did Adrian fail to secure the milestone hit, but a prime scoring opportunity was erased.

Dejected, many of the fans started streaming out of the stadium. The fans that stayed saw Napoli work Gausman for a two-out walk. Then Odor hit a pop fly that eluded all the fielders. With runners on first and second with two outs, Orioles manager Buck Showalter chose to remove Gausman for their All-Star closer Zach Britton. Britton was fantastic in 2016, allowing 47 saves without a blown save. He missed two months in 2017 due to a left forearm strain and had some rough outings in non-save-situations. Still, he had a streak of 55 consecutive saves that was second all-time to the Dodgers' Eric Gagne, who was a minor league teammate with Adrian Beltre. With the tying run on-deck, this qualifies as a save situation and gave Britton a chance to make it 56 straight. And it took Britton only three pitches to induce a groundout on Gomez to seal the deal. The Rangers had lost once again, and Adrian's date with destiny would have to wait another day.

My mood matched the rest of the crowd as I left the stadium and head towards the Uber pickup site. Before heading there I stopped by the team store looking for something that could be used as a tape, since when I pulled off the "2" with Adrian's 2,999th hit the "1" came off with it. I ended up buying some stick-on eye-black that could serve the trip. I had never used the Uber pick-up service, but I figured I should just call for a ride and wait the ride to come. I ordered a ride and waited around but the ride never seemed to arrive. I even tried to call, but the driver's phone wasn't on and I only got to Uber's answering service. After waiting around for a long time I saw that the ride was canceled. At this point it was almost 11:00 at night, and I still had to update my spreadsheets. I decided Uber can go fuck itself and ordered a ride from Lyft, who got me back to my hotel with no problems.

After I got back I ordered a Domino's Philly cheesesteak pizza because I hadn't eaten anything but the lemon Sno-blast since the pho almost 12 hours ago. I also took the stick-on eye-black and used them to secure the "1" on my countdown sign. After that I showered and put on a dress because I love wearing dresses. I spent the next hour or so updating my spreadsheets, updating the wins and strikeout totals of the 100-win pitchers and the pitchers that had decisions against 300-win pitchers, and also recorded the play by play on the spreadsheet I use to keep track of plays in the games I've gone to in person. When that was done I was ready to get some sleep. After all, tomorrow is another game, and surely Adrian was going to get his 3,000th hit. It took me a while to get settled down, but finally I drifted off to sleep.

Sources: Well, I guess this turned out to be a play by play for the July 29, 2017 game, which isn't surprising to me. The Baseball Reference box score for the game was a very useful resource, of course it also helps to have the MASN broadcast of the game on YouTube to refer to. (I would have used the Fox Sports SouthWest feed, but it's only available on MLB.TV, and you can't skip around as easily.) After that I used some of Dallas SportsDay account on the minor league journeys of Austin Bibens-Dirkx and the Vice Sports account of Tony Barnette's Japanese journey. And of course, most of the rest were from personal experiences.

But we are coming to the climax of our series, as the next part will cover the big game, the game that includes the 3,000th Hit.