Albert Belle

1966-

American baseball player

Albert Belle, known for his outstanding power as a hitter, is also one of baseball's most enigmatic characters. S.L. Price, writing in Sports Illustrated,

called Belle "the game's most dependable and unpredictable talent." While Belle's talent is undeniable—his career batting average is .295—he is known for his quick temper and his impatience with both the media and his many fans. Belle's hot-headedness is speculated to have been the source of his drive in the game, but that same quality cost him numerous suspensions and his chance at the Most Valuable Player Award.

"Joey Belle"

Albert Jojuan Belle was born on August 25, 1966 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Growing up, Belle's family, friends, and coaches called him "Joey," a shortened version of his middle name. Belle's family lived in a middle-class section of Shreveport, and his parents were both educators. Albert, Belle's father, was a high school football coach and a teacher; Belle's mother Carrie was a math teacher. Both parents, but particularly Carrie, pushed Belle to succeed in everything he did. This was a lesson Belle would take with him into adulthood, as he continued to set high standards for himself.

Belle's twin brother, Terry, stayed by Belle's side throughout career. A businessman, Terry assisted Belle with public relations and his relationship with the media.

Belle was an outstanding figure in high school. He was an Eagle Scout, a regular attendee of the Galilee Baptist Church, and an all-state baseball player. Belle was also a high achiever as a student, graduating sixth in his class of 266 at Huntington High. Belle even took college courses in high school, learning computer programming languages. But as early as high school, Belle's temperament was a problem: the outstanding athlete would have fits when he didn't perform at his best, throwing bats, balls, helmets.

Belle and his family hoped for a minor league contract right out of high school, but no offers were forthcoming. The most prestigious college teams overlooked him, too; while his talent was indisputable, Belle's attitude was problematic. He did get an offer to attend Louisiana State University and play for the LSU Tigers; brother Terry was drafted along with Belle. Belle excelled as a Tiger, setting university records in seven categories (including home runs and runs batted in). He was twice named to the All-Southeast Conference. But Belle also had some setbacks in college: one incident involved a spectator yelling a racial slur; Belle dove into the stands trying to identify the man, and teammates had to tackle him. He was benched for the 1987 College World Series because of his temper.

Drafted to the Big Leagues

Belle finally got his break after his junior year in college in the second round of the 1987 draft. Several teams refused to consider Belle in any round based on his temperament, but the Cleveland Indians picked him up. He started with the Indians' minors team, and played his first major league game in July 1989. That game was a stunning success for Belle: he got a hit at his first at-bat, and hit a grand slam against the Yankees. Belle did have some trouble during those first years with the Indians, though, and was demoted to the minors a few times following outbursts.

Chronology

"Snapper"

Belle's temper earned him the nickname "Snapper" among his teammates. In one incident, Belle used a bat to destroy a porcelain sink in the clubhouse; his temper was out of control. Belle later reflected to Sports Illustrated, "I was sure I'd be a superstar by the time I was 21. When I fail, I get upset. Sometimes I get upset too quickly, without thinking of the consequences."

In 1990, Belle checked himself into the Cleveland Clinic for help with a drinking problem. After a two-month leave, Belle issued a statement indicating he had received the help he needed. He signed this statement "Albert Belle," perhaps reflecting a new, more mature identity than the old "Joey."

Outstanding Hitter

During his time with the Indians, Belle consistently was one of the leaders in the American League in home runs and runs batted in (RBI). While his temper and his refusals to talk with the press were still problematic, he became one of Cleveland's most popular players, and even had a candy bar named after him. He played in two All-Star games, and despite several suspensions, amassed an impressive record. General manager John Hart was one of Belle's most committed supporters. He commented to the New York Times, "He is a folk hero. We brought him up. He struggled as a young player. They've [the fans have] seen him mature as a human being. Albert does more community things behind the scenes than anyone we have. The community just threw themselves behind him."

In 1995, Belle's power at bat led the team through a phenomenal season. Belle himself hit 50 home runs and had 52 doubles becoming the first major league player to top 50 in both categories in one season. Enjoying tremendous fan support and their new stadium, the Indians went to the World Series for the first time since 1954. The Indians lost that series to the Atlanta Braves, but Belle emerged from the 1995 season a hero. While he lost the Most Valuable Player award that year to Mo Vaughn (members of the press vote on this award), Belle's fans voted him to start in the All-Star game for the first time.

In 1996, Belle signed a five-year, $55 million contract to play for the Chicago White Sox. This briefly made him the highest paid baseball player of all time, and certainly proved his status as one of the best players in the game. Belle used the team change as another chance for him to change his pattern of angry outbursts; the press, though, was not willing to let go of Belle's "bad boy" image. In 1997, Belle was in the spotlight for gambling on football, basketball, and, some alleged, baseball. He was also accused of hitting ex-girlfriend Stephanie Bugusky, but all charges in this matter were dropped.

In December 1998, Belle signed a 5-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles worth $65 million dollars. He jumped on another opportunity to change his image, and even began signing autographs and speaking with the press. Belle's reinvention of himself was cut short, though. An inflamed bursa sac in his right hip made 2001 a grueling season for Belle, and he sat out the 2002 season with what appears to be a permanent injury.

Career Statistics

Bad Boy Reputation

Although he was loved by teammates and fans alike, throughout his career Belle maintained the reputation of a hot-head. He seemed to need this anger to propel him to perform, and former teammates and coaches have talked about waiting for Belle to get angry so that he would begin a hitting streak. Like Ty Cobb before him, Belle was one of baseball's bad boys, and his image is tainted with stories of corked bats, accosting journalists, and even running down Halloween trick-or-treaters with his truck. Belle's unflinching quest for perfection had the paradoxical effect of making him one of the game's best players and one of its most troubled, and troubling, characters.

Awards and Accomplishments

CONTACT INFORMATION

Address: Albert Belle, Baltimore Orioles, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 333 West Camden St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Phone: (410) 685-9800.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Periodicals

Bamberger, Michael. "He Thrives on Anger," Sports Illustrated (May 6, 1996): 72-82.

Bodley, Hal. "Orioles stockpiling millions for rebuilding," USA Today (June 22, 2001): C7.

Chass, Murray. "Belle is all business, on and off the field." New York Times (July 29, 1994): B9.

Leavy, Walter. "Albert Belle: A new beginning for baseball's $55 million man." Ebony (May 1997): 28-32.

Nightengale, Bob. "Belle is the Victim Now: You Can Bet on That." Sporting News (February 24, 1997): 36.

Price, S.L. "The Belle of Baltimore." Sports Illustrated (March 8, 1999): 48-49.

Weinstock, Jeff. "Get Smart About Dennis Rodman vs. Albert Belle." Sport (January 1997): 22.

Sketch by Christine M. Kelley