Emily Jones, Texas Rangers reporter for FOX Sports Southwest, wrote this first-person essay for The Dallas Morning News:

It's hard to imagine a Rangers' clubhouse without Adrian Beltre in it. Over the last eight years, he has become one of the organization's most beloved players, further established his reputation as the ultimate teammate, and cemented his inevitable enshrinement in baseball's most hallowed destination.

If you would've told me those things in January of 2011, I would've given you the same look Adrian gives Elvis Andrus when he touches his head in the midst of a dugout celebration. I was... shall we say... intimidated by Adrian for at least two years. Seriously. It wasn't his fault. He was always courteous and respectful and willing to do whatever was asked of him. There was something about him, though, that was intimidating... an aura that is difficult to describe. Fast forward eight years later, and now I know why.

It's because he is special. He gets it. He always knows what to say and what to do. He does all the little things that people don't even realize he is doing, but they can feel the effects of those actions without even knowing he is responsible for them. It's like he's some kind of baseball Jedi.

Adrian established a culture of respect and accountability within the Rangers' clubhouse that made it a pleasure to come to work, every day, regardless of wins and losses. His love for the game is unquestioned, and the example he set with his actions was other worldly. But setting an example wasn't enough. He demanded it of others as well, and he insisted that everyone be extended the same level of respect, regardless of their position or pay grade.

When Adrian became the first Latin-born player to reach the 3,000-hit milestone, everyone was invited to the celebration, from coaches to clubbies. He valued everyone who made their way into that clubhouse, for whatever reason. Adrian never discriminated with his respect or his razzing.

I can't remember exactly when I stopped being scared of him, but it probably involved him yelling at me, which is the highest compliment in the baseball clubhouse world. In the years since then, I have marveled at him. I have been in awe of the way he plays the game. I have admired the manner in which he toes the line between mentor and friend in a clubhouse full of guys, many of whom were still in diapers when he broke into the Major Leagues.

Much like those of us close to the organization, it didn't take long for the Rangers' faithful to fall in love with Adrian's playful antics. From dancing in the batter's box to jockeying for pop-ups with Elvis to dressing up like a clubbie and shining shoes in the dugout to moving the on-deck circle to his desired location, he was constantly giving us something to smile about. And did I mention he was good at baseball? Like, really good.

And just as quickly as Texas fell in love with Adrian, he fell right back -- and hard. He did so many things out of the view of cameras and social media. That's not his style. Like when he wore an orange bracelet for a stretch this season after he heard about a little boy named Ian, who wanted nothing more than for his favorite baseball player to don it as a sign of support for kids like him who were fighting cancer. Little things that went a long way and are too numerous to count. Plus, I'm afraid he'll kill me if I share too many.

The Rangers didn't just acquire Adrian on January 6, 2011. They also acquired Sandra, Cassie, AJ and Camila. If you spend enough time around this game, you hear the term "family" thrown around quite a bit. The Beltres epitomize it.

Sandra is one of the kindest and most unassuming people I have ever met. No pretense, only sincerity. I have been around this organization for 15 years, and I have always been comfortable in my role as it has evolved over the years. The Beltres made me feel like family. For that, I will be forever grateful.

Saying goodbye to Adrian means saying goodbye to Cassie and her sweet smile and endless good manners. It means no more AJ hitting bombs off his dad in their regular father-son batting practice sessions. It means Camila's stellar dance moves will no longer be on display in the tunnel before and after games. Trust me, you haven't lived until you have seen Camila Beltre break it down.

I've said it a million times before, baseball has given me a lot of gifts, but the greatest -- and it's not even close -- is the relationships.

A couple of years ago, I started "bartering" with Adrian for interviews. If he would talk, I wouldn't ask him for another interview for a particular amount of time (usually two weeks). He was kidding... kind of. It was that back and forth that I, and so many of us who covered him over the last eight years, came to love and appreciate. Adrian is the perfect mix of joy and professionalism that makes the grind of a 162-game season feel like anything but.

The game of baseball is better for having had Adrian Beltre in it, and we are all lucky to have been along for the ride. Thanks for everything, AB. You're off the hook for two weeks, 11 months and four years. See you in Cooperstown.

More on Adrian Beltre

'There won't be a Hall of Famer in our clubhouse next year': Adrian Beltre retires, so now comes the wait for the next step

Adrian Beltre retires from baseball, doing what is best for both him and the Rangers

Read Adrian Beltre's farewell letter to baseball, statements from Ray Davis and Jon Daniels

Adrian Beltre began his Rangers career as a decent second option. This is what he became for the club

Adrian Beltre's legacy: What you might've misunderstood about him and what he best exemplified to Rangers teammates

National reaction: Elvis Andrus, Michael Young, Dirk Nowitzki all weigh in on Adrian Beltre's retirement

'He gets it': What Adrian Beltre meant to the Rangers, through the eyes of field reporter Emily Jones

The best of Adrian Beltre: Head pats, playoff celebrations, the signature one-knee homer and more memorable photos from his Rangers career

'It got me deep': Relive the emotional final moments of Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre's career

Flashback: It has been a pleasure to cover Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre

Flashback: From holding him as a baby, to watching him chase 3,000, Felipe Alou knows Adrian Beltre