ARLINGTON -- The Orioles weren't shy in admitting it: They were hoping to see history this weekend at Globe Life Park. And they finally did in Sunday's series finale, as Adrian Beltre became the 31st player in Major League history to reach the 3,000-hit mark with a fourth-inning double.
Beltre's historic hit, which came off Orioles starter Wade Miley, stole the show, though the O's did win the game, 10-6, and headed back to Baltimore with a series win and a neat part in baseball lore.
:: Beltre joins 3,000-hit club ::
"As a fan of the game, what a career that guy has had. I wasn't trying to let him get a hit, by any means," Miley said. "But at the same time, as a fan, if it had to happen, that guy is an unbelievable player, someone you want your kids to watch. That is the kind of respect I have for him and just one of those things that is a special moment for him. Let him celebrate."
Miley and the rest of the Orioles took in the scene that followed, which included the Rangers hanging a banner and Beltre's family running out to congratulate him.
"It was amazing," said Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, who used to watch YouTube videos of Beltre when he was transitioning to third base. "As a baseball fan, you get to see that, it's obviously a great accomplishment. To get 3,000 hits, only 30 players have done that. So to be a part of that history was amazing. Obviously he's a friend and a teammate that I played with [in the World Baseball Classic]. Excited to see him as a Dominican player be the first to get to that milestone."
As soon as Beltre connected for the double, the crowd -- already on its feet -- exploded and the Rangers dugout emptied. The Orioles who were on the field lined up by second base to give Beltre congratulatory hugs while the rest of the team -- huddled in anticipation over the dugout railing -- clapped from their spots.
"Just as a baseball fan, that's unbelievable," added Orioles center fielder Adam Jones, who was one of the players who got to hug and congratulate Beltre on the field. "He's seen my first hit, he's seen all my firsts -- me, personally -- in the big leagues. And to see No. 3,000 for me as a fan of his and a friend of his, that's pretty special to be able to share that moment with him and see his family."

So what stands out to opposing teams the most about Beltre?
"I think his relentlessness," said Orioles first baseman Chris Davis, who played with Beltre while in Texas. "You've seen him hobbling down the first-base line, pulling up and clearly injured or hurt, and continue to stay in the game and produce. That is the kind of guy he is. He comes in every day ready to play. He's a fun guy to be around. He makes other people better and I'm happy for him."