It’s been a while since Carlos Beltran last patrolled a major league outfield. Because Beltran plays in the American League with the Houston Astros, the need for the 40-year-old to put on his glove has been diminished, leaving it instead to collect dust and cobwebs in his locker. With Beltran’s glove resting comfortably in the clubhouse, the Astros decided the time had come to give the glove a proper sendoff.
Prior to Monday night’s game against the Mariners, the Astros gathered on the field at Minute Maid Park for a makeshift memorial service to pay their final respects to Beltran’s glove. The Astros went all out for the occasion, with catcher Brian McCann acting as the priest overseeing the service.
Carlos Beltran hasn't played the outfield since May 16. The Astros are holding a funeral for his outfield glove. pic.twitter.com/H0ncP06YAp
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) July 17, 2017
All in good fun!@astros hold funeral service for @carlosbeltran15's glove, which has not seen the outfield in two months. pic.twitter.com/Ce2USEieIl
— Cut4 (@Cut4) July 17, 2017
Brian McCann dressed as a priest to deliver the euology.
— Hunter Atkins (@HunterAtkins35) July 17, 2017
Unless you have a vested rooting interest in the American League, it is getting harder and harder not to like these Houston Astros. It was not all that long ago that the Astros were the worst team in baseball. Now they are flying high at 62-30 as they get started this week. It’s moments like this that help drive home the point that the team that wins together is also likely to be found having some fun together outside of the actual games. Maybe this serves as an example of yet another bonding experience that will help the Astros continue to grow together moving forward.
As for Beltran’s glove, we’ll always have the memories.
Let’s not forget that Beltran has three Gold Gloves during his career.
[@Cut4]
