When Carlos Beltrán’s plaque is unveiled at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, he’ll be wearing a Mets cap.
Despite having played on seven different teams, including the Yankees for three years, Beltrán explains why he chose the Mets.
“With the Mets, I experienced my greatest individual growth and success,” Beltrán said, via X/Twitter. “I’m honored that my Hall of Fame plaque will feature the Mets logo.”
While Beltrán’s twenty-year career saw him wear several uniforms, his legacy is most deeply intertwined with his time in Queens.
When he arrived at Shea Stadium in 2005, he delivered arguably the greatest individual prime of any center fielder in team history. His best season came in 2006, where he tied the franchise record with 41 home runs and drove in 116 runs.
By the time he claimed his long-awaited World Series ring with Houston in 2017, he had joined the exclusive 300-300 club (300 homers and 300 steals), a testament to his elite skillset.
Though it took him four tries, his eventual election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2026 served as the final validation of a career that was as graceful as it was dominant.
His induction will take place on July 26 in Cooperstown, NY.