Carlos Beltran started his career before the year 2000. He’s been around a while and today he announced his retirement.

We can all talk about his strikeout against the Cardinals in the NLCS but I want to celebrate one of the most impressive things I have ever seen in my lifetime.

Can we just appreciate Beltran’s postsesaon run in 2004 for the Astros?

In 12 games, he had 56 plate appearances. He had 20 hits, scored 21 runs, hit 8 homers and 14 RBI. He also walked 9 times. He was unstoppable. I remember watching that postseason and I remember telling myself that this was one of the greatest mid-season rentals I have ever seen. He nearly carried the Astros to the title. But it wasn’t meant to be. The Cards would win the series and move on to the Fall Classic.

I am happy Beltran finally got his ring. He wasn’t impressive at all this season but looking back at his entire career, he deserves it. He was just a great player to watch.

Thank you for entertaining me all these years. Enjoy retirement!