Jimenez sharp as Tribe rallies

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

As they were about to take the field, the Cleveland Indians held a last-second meeting. Something had to be done.

On a night filled with memories and hope, the Indians turned to their glorious past.

So they hiked up their pants and showed off their socks — just like Jim Thome.

“It was a little welcome present for the big guy,” said third baseman Jack Hannahan.

Thome was grateful.

“It was similar to ’97,” Thome said following Cleveland’s 2-1 win Friday night over the Kansas City Royals. “They did that for my birthday, and that year went to the World Series.

“So we’ll see what happens,” he said.

Thome went hitless but was warmly welcomed in his Cleveland homecoming after nearly a decade away and the Indians, getting a strong outing from Ubaldo Jimenez (2-1), slowed their slide in the AL Central. The Indians won for just the second time in eight games but didn’t lose any ground to the Tigers.

Thome went 0 for 4 and struck out twice in his first game back with Cleveland since 2002, when he disappointed Cleveland fans by leaving as a free agent. The slugger waived a no-trade clause to return to Cleveland and a chance to help the Indians get back to the postseason.

And in his return, a sellout crowd cheered his every move.

Thome received a thunderous standing ovation when he came up for the first time in the second inning. Holding “Welcome Thome” signs, fans clapped and yelled and he returned the love before his first at-bat with the Indians in nine years by taking off his batting helmet and bowing slightly.

“The single coolest thing I’ve seen in the big leagues,” said Indians reliever Vinnie Pestano.

Thome was overcome by the moment.

“Very emotional,” he said. “Overwhelming in a good way.

“It’s nice to get a win and see the crowed like that, the energy and electricity was good all night.”

It was like it used to be all the time in Cleveland.