Albert Belle
| AB | 5853 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .295 |
| OBP | .369 |
| SLG | .564 |
| HR | 381 |
- Full name Albert Jojuan Belle
- Born 08/25/1966 in Shreveport, LA
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Louisiana State
- Debut 07/15/1989
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Drafted in the 2nd round (47th overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 1987.
View Draft Report
Of eight college outfielders drawing interest from national cross-checkers, Louisiana State's Belle is the only one who rates the consensus of scouts as a No. 1 pick.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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As far as Belle’s raw tools go, there might not be a player in the minor leagues of any organization with better potential. The question is whether he will allow the potential to surface. Belle has posed a definite discipline problem. How many players get released out of Mexico when they hit 11 home runs in a month? That happened to Belle at Mexicali of the Mexican Pacific League this winter. And that came after he was twice suspended during the summer. Belle became disgruntled at high Class A Kinston, feeling he should have been at a higher level, and walked out after a month and a half. He finally returned and was promoted to Double-A Waterloo, but after nine games was suspended again, this time for throwing a bat after striking out. He’s not the first player to do that, but with his track record, the Indians know they have to watch Belle closely. Remember, he didn’t make it to the College World Series with Louisiana State in 1987 because of a suspension. On the field, though, Belle has the ability to hit for average and power. He has the speed to steal bases. And he’s a legitimate right fielder. -
A second-round pick out of Louisiana State (the Indians lost their first-round selection for signing Rick Dempsey, of all people), Belle has the best pure talent in the organization. In fact, many scouts say based on talent he might have been the best player available in last June’s draft. The problem is that attitude is a big part of this game, and Belle has to learn to control his emotions if he’s ever going to make the most of his ability. Things got so out of hand at Louisiana State last year that he was thrown off the team and didn’t even go to the College World Series. There also was a flareup in instructional league, but Belle was back, apologizing for his actions, the next day. He can run, throw and hit for average as well as power.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Heading into 1989, nobody ever questioned Belle’s talent, only his attitude. The Indians organization suspended him twice in 1988. But in 1989, he was more Gentleman Joey than Bad Boy Belle. Belle was hitting .282-20-69 when he was called up to the majors. He hit 12 of the home runs in a 75 at-bat stretch, and was threatening league records for homers and RBIs. “Incredible tools,” Harrisburg manager Dave Trembly said. “He can hit the ball out of the park, and he can run the bases. He’s a decent outfielder, too. Now that he’s reached the majors, I think he will play with a little more excitement.”
Scouting Reports
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As far as Belle’s raw tools go, there might not be a player in the minor leagues of any organization with better potential. The question is whether he will allow the potential to surface. Belle has posed a definite discipline problem. How many players get released out of Mexico when they hit 11 home runs in a month? That happened to Belle at Mexicali of the Mexican Pacific League this winter. And that came after he was twice suspended during the summer. Belle became disgruntled at high Class A Kinston, feeling he should have been at a higher level, and walked out after a month and a half. He finally returned and was promoted to Double-A Waterloo, but after nine games was suspended again, this time for throwing a bat after striking out. He’s not the first player to do that, but with his track record, the Indians know they have to watch Belle closely. Remember, he didn’t make it to the College World Series with Louisiana State in 1987 because of a suspension. On the field, though, Belle has the ability to hit for average and power. He has the speed to steal bases. And he’s a legitimate right fielder. -
Heading into 1989, nobody ever questioned Belle’s talent, only his attitude. The Indians organization suspended him twice in 1988. But in 1989, he was more Gentleman Joey than Bad Boy Belle. Belle was hitting .282-20-69 when he was called up to the majors. He hit 12 of the home runs in a 75 at-bat stretch, and was threatening league records for homers and RBIs. “Incredible tools,” Harrisburg manager Dave Trembly said. “He can hit the ball out of the park, and he can run the bases. He’s a decent outfielder, too. Now that he’s reached the majors, I think he will play with a little more excitement.” -
A second-round pick out of Louisiana State (the Indians lost their first-round selection for signing Rick Dempsey, of all people), Belle has the best pure talent in the organization. In fact, many scouts say based on talent he might have been the best player available in last June’s draft. The problem is that attitude is a big part of this game, and Belle has to learn to control his emotions if he’s ever going to make the most of his ability. Things got so out of hand at Louisiana State last year that he was thrown off the team and didn’t even go to the College World Series. There also was a flareup in instructional league, but Belle was back, apologizing for his actions, the next day. He can run, throw and hit for average as well as power.
