Adrian Beltre’s dislike of having his head touched has reached legendary, mythological heights. If he’s ever elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, it should be mentioned on his plaque. (Someone needs to rush the podium and go for a head-rub in Cooperstown too.)
One reason that we haven’t forgotten about Beltre’s bizarre hang-up, that it continues to live on in baseball lore, is due to the efforts of teammate Elvis Andrus. When the Rangers shortstop sees an opportunity for some cranial contact with Beltre, he doesn’t let it go by. Just such a moment occurred in Monday’s 8-2 win over the Royals following Beltre’s two-run homer in the fourth inning.
There’s actually something of an art to Andrus’ approach. He waits as Beltre comes back to the dugout to slap high-fives with the rest of their teammates. As Beltre is distracted, Andrus seizes the moment. He can’t resist that bare head, just waiting to be rubbed. Yet Beltre never completely lets down his guard, knowing Andrus’ intentions. Such awareness is surely what makes him an excellent defensive third baseman.
Of greater importance (arguably), that home run was No. 399 for Beltre’s career. Just imagine the head-rubbing shenanigans Andrus and the Rangers may be planning in anticipation of that milestone. Beltre knows it’s coming, man. He has to.
Also, after a slow start (batting .205 in April), Beltre is heating up. So far in May, the third baseman is hitting .305 with an .862 OPS, three doubles, two homers and eight RBI. Perhaps not coincidentally, the Rangers are 7-4 this month and inching their way up the AL West standings.
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