Carlos Beltrán shares his Hall of Fame election experience with students at his academy

“Everything I have achieved begins here, in Puerto Rico,” National Baseball Hall of Famer-elect Carlos Beltrán told students at the baseball academy he co-founded with his wife, Jessica, in his hometown of Manatí.

By THE STAR STAFF

Former Major League Baseball player Carlos Beltrán was welcomed earlier this week by students, staff and family members at the Carlos Beltrán Baseball Academy in Manatí following the announcement of his coming induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Monday’s event at the academy that Beltrán co-founded was attended by students, faculty, administrative staff, family members, mayors and government representatives from the region as part of the activities held after Beltrán’s election to the hall of fame on his fourth ballot was announced last week.

“Everything I have achieved begins here, in Puerto Rico,” Beltrán said in a written statement. “This country shaped me as a baseball player and as a human being. Returning and sharing this moment with the young people of this academic and athletic program is one of the most significant experiences of my life.”

The hall of famer-elect also thanked the students of the institution.

“You represent the future,” he said. “My greatest pride is not only what I did on the field, but being able to contribute to your dreams and your growth. I admire you all so much, I value your daily effort, and I know that in a few years, you will be the ones on this side.”

Beltrán attended the event accompanied by his wife Jessica, co-founder of the academy, and their children. Jessica Beltrán emphasized the educational focus of the program.

“This Academy is not just about baseball; it’s about education, values, and opportunities,” she said. “Seeing you welcome Carlos with so much affection confirms that the effort has been worthwhile.”

The visit to the academy followed a reception held on Sunday at Pedro Román Meléndez Municipal Stadium in Manatí, where Beltrán shared his experience of being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame with fans, community leaders and young athletes.

Beltrán, fellow center fielder Andruw Jones, a native of Curaçao, and second baseman Jeff Kent will be inducted into the hall of fame on July 26.