Residents of Puerto Rico can’t vote in presidential elections and have no voting representation in Congress, plus plenty of other inequities that follow from that lack of a voice in U.S. democracy. But that does not mean that Puerto Ricans are not recognized nationally for our contributions and excellence. The latest example: Carlos Beltrán, who is being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Carlos Beltrán
Beltrán, born April 24, 1977, in Manatí, Puerto Rico, is a switch-hitting center fielder whose blend of power, speed, and defense made him one of the most complete players of his era. Signed by the Kansas City Royals, he debuted in 1998 and broke out the next year, winning the 1999 American League Rookie of the Year award after hitting .293 with 22 home runs, 27 stolen bases, 112 runs, and 108 RBI.
Across a 20-year career with the Royals, Astros, Mets, Giants, Cardinals, Yankees, and Rangers, Beltrán compiled a .279 batting average, 2,725 hits, 435 home runs, 1,587 RBI, 1,582 runs, 565 doubles, and 312 stolen bases. He became one of only a handful of players to combine at least 400 home runs with 300 steals, and his 86% success rate on stolen bases ranks among the best for players with 300 or more steals. A nine-time All-Star, he won three Gold Gloves and two Silver Slugger awards. He also played for th4e Arecibo Lobos in the Puerto Rico Winter League.
Beltrán also built a reputation as a postseason force, hitting .307 with 16 home runs, 42 RBI, and a perfect 11-for-11 on stolen base attempts in 65 playoff games, including a historic 2004 run with Houston. He later earned a World Series ring with the 2017 Astros.
Beyond baseball
Off the field, Beltrán was honored with the 2013 Roberto Clemente Award for his philanthropy, particularly in Puerto Rico, cementing his status as a civic leader as well as a baseball great.
The centerpiece of Beltrán’s community work is the Carlos Beltrán Foundation, which he founded during his first full season as a member of the Kansas City Royals. He recognized that `signing as a professional baseball player is a common dream among young Puerto Ricans, but he also knew that baseball talent could lead to other opportunities, including college scholarships. “You continue to do what you love,” he told ESPN, “but you have the opportunity to educate yourself and prepare yourself in case baseball doesn’t work out.”
In 2011, Beltrán and his wife opened the Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy, a school combining baseball coaching with academic study and an emphasis on moral standards and civic responsibility. The school’s first graduating class was in 2013, and it has produced more than a dozen major league players since graduating Jovani Moran and Mario Feliciano in 2021. In addition, most of the students go on to college, even though more than half come from households living under the poverty limit. The school provides transportation to and from the school for students living in 80% of the Island.
Beltrán also established a college scholarship fund for Hispanic students in St. Louis, as well as supporting kids with a variety of other events and donations.
Meaningful for Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González Colón and the Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana congratulated Beltrán, according to the San Juan Daily Star. “Today we honor the athletic excellence of Carlos Beltrán, a native of Manatí who elevates the name of Puerto Rico before the world,” said González Colón. “Beltrán represents the best of our people. We recognize a career that inspired and serves as an example to generations on and off the field. That is why today we celebrate with his family and congratulate him on achieving this highest honor.”
Puerto Rico is not just a part of the United States, but an essential part, bringing exceptional people in many different walks of life as well as vibrant culture and natural beauty. It is time for Puerto Rico to be admitted as a state. Contact your legislators to let them know that this matters to you.
No responses yet