Adrian Beltre played five seasons in Seattle and accumulated more than a quarter of his hits (751) with the Mariners, so it was only just for the club to tip its cap in applause to the newest member of one of baseball's most exclusive clubs.
Moments after Beltre laced a 3-0 fastball from Orioles' starter Wade Miley into left field at Globe Life Park in Arlington to become the 31st member of the 3,000-hit club, and first Dominican-born player in the group, the Mariners issued a classy statement congratulating their former slugger.
:: Beltre joins 3,000-hit club ::
"On behalf of the Seattle Mariners ownership, the entire organization and the fans of the Northwest, we would like to congratulate Adrian Beltre on his 3,000th hit in Major League Baseball," Mariners chairman and chief executive officer John Stanton and president and chief operating officer Kevin Mather said in the statement. "It is another historic achievement in his great career, as he becomes only the 31st player to reach the milestone.
"We are proud that Adrian played a part of his record-setting career here in Seattle, and appreciate his contributions to our franchise."
As Beltre arrived at second base safely and umpire Jordan Baker called time, the nearly 33,000 in attendance provided the Rangers star with a roaring standing ovation. The game was put on hold with the entire Rangers bench spilling onto the field to hug their accomplished teammate.
Beltre's family members raced onto the field from behind home plate, while Rangers personnel unveiled a banner commemorating the milestone on the outfield wall and wrapped their arms around their hero standing on the infield dirt.
The 38-year-old then turned and waved to the crowd before embracing each of the Orioles starters on the field, an attest to his status as one of the most revered men in the sport.

A number of active players paid tributes to Beltre via Twitter, including the Blue Jays' Josh Donaldson and the Reds' Brandon Finnegan. 

Former pitcher Dan Haren, and catcher and current ESPN analyst David Ross chimed in as well.

Ivan Rodriguez and Tim Raines even saluted Beltre from Cooperstown, where the two legends were inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday afternoon.

Yu Darvish and Jason Grilli also went on Twitter to congratulate Beltre. 

It is only fitting that Beltre, who is tied for 13th in Major League history with 605 doubles, reached on his 3,000th hit with a two-bagger. Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado, who entered play Sunday tied for third in MLB with 32 doubles, idolized Beltre growing up and went into the clubhouse to watch the highlight on TV. He did not hold back when speaking about the future Hall of Famer after the Rockies' win over the Nationals in the first game of a doubleheader.
"I was getting the chills actually watching it, seeing his family out there running around the outfield, and they pulled the sign down," Arenado said. "It was really cool, unbelievable career, one of the best to do it. He's one of my favorites, so I think he's the best to do it -- a Hall of Famer for me. Unbelievable career.
"The way he goes about the game, you can admire that," Arenado added. "I wish I could play like that, having fun and all that. I just take it too serious. I just can't. Maybe one day I can turn into a guy like him."