CLEVELAND — June 4, 1997 — Former Indians slugger Albert Belle was fined $5,000 by the American League for making an obscene gesture toward fans following his return to Jacobs Field Tuesday night as a member of the Chicago White Sox. The league also required Belle to use the money to purchase White Sox tickets for disadvantaged youths in Chicago.

The gesture came at the conclusion of Belle’s first game back in Cleveland since departing via free agency during the offseason. Belle, who signed a five-year, $55 million deal with the White Sox, had been the centerpiece of the Indians’ rise to prominence throughout the early and mid-1990s. His return was met with overwhelming hostility from the Cleveland crowd.

The game was punctuated by continuous booing aimed at Belle, starting the moment he emerged from the dugout. One witness captured the emotional whiplash of the moment:

“It was like a record skipping from the tail end of a ballad straight into the middle of a rock anthem. The transition was sudden and jarring—the crowd had just erupted in cheers after Frank Thomas’ swinging strike three, and then, the moment they realized Belle had stepped onto the field, the boos hit like a wall.”

The crowd, which had once embraced Belle as a hometown hero, turned hostile with signs, chants, and jeers. Coordinated messages spelled out “TRAITOR” and “JOEY $$$$” (a reference to the nickname he used prior to competing rehabilitation for alcohol abuse) across multiple seating sections.

Other signs read “1st PLACE IS GREAT WITHOUT #8,” “HEY ALBERT — WE DON’T MISS YOU EITHER,” and “ONCE A MIGHTY WARRIOR. NOW JUST A SMELLY OLD SOX.”

Some fans hurled insults and, reportedly rolls of quarters and other objects at Belle in left field. Despite the aggression, no fans were ejected or disciplined.

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In response to Belle’s postgame gesture toward the crowd, American League President Gene Budig issued a statement:

“An obscene gesture to our fans—no matter what the provocation—is simply not acceptable behavior from a major league player.”

The fine was announced the following day, along with the league’s directive that Belle use the funds to purchase tickets for underprivileged youth.

Belle did not speak to the media after the game, and the Major League Baseball Players Association indicated it might appeal the decision. The Indians won the game, but the focus remained firmly on Belle and the emotionally charged return that further complicated his already controversial relationship with fans and the league.

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