The Cleveland Indians have tried their best to restore the tainted image of left fielder Albert Belle, whose angry exchanges with reporters and fans have left him with a rather negative reputation.
So the Indians and Belle's agents struck a deal with a local chocolate factory. Reggie Jackson had a candy bar named after him. Ken Griffey had a candy bar named after him. Albert Belle, it was decided, should have a candy bar named after him.
Malley's Chocolates scheduled a press conference to introduce The Albert Belle Bar, a chocolate-covered crunch bar. Good stuff. The beginning of a new chapter for Albert Belle. All of those involved in the project gathered at Jacobs Field for the big moment on Tuesday, the introduction of The Albert Belle Bar. The Indians were excited. Belle's handlers were excited. The folks at Malley's were excited.
Albert Belle wasn't so excited.
He didn't bother showing up for the news conference. Reportedly, he told one member of the organization that he didn't sleep very well the night before.
