Around The Majors -- See Sele Ring Bell; See Bell Try To Wring Sele

CHICAGO - George Bell of the Chicago White Sox was ejected from yesterday's game against Boston in the second inning when he charged Red Sox rookie starter Aaron Sele after being hit by a pitch.

Bell, batting with a 0-2 count, was knocked down by a head-high pitch, and the next pitch sailed high and inside and glanced off the back of Bell's helmet.

Bell threw down his bat and charged Sele, who sidestepped him as Bell threw a wild right-handed punch and missed. As Bell was slammed to the ground by Boston first baseman Mo Vaughn both dugouts and bullpens emptied.

"I was just trying to keep the ball down and away," said Sele, a native of Poulsbo. "The first one I threw up and in just to knock him off the plate. Then I wanted to come outside. But I couldn't drive off my leg, and the ball went sailing. The only thing I remember is ducking and running."

Players and coaches milled around on the field pushing and shoving for about 10 minutes, with Bell shouting and pointing at Boston catcher Bob Melvin.

"He wasn't throwing at him," Manager Butch Hobson said. "We don't play like that. We're one of the top clubs in the league at getting hit by pitches and we just go down to first base."

White Sox starter Jack McDowell received a warning at the start of the third inning, and did not throw any brushback pitches.

`FRONTRUNNERS' IRK GIANTS

SAN FRANCISCO - Until yesterday's gain of one game, the San Francisco Giants' lead in the NL West has dwindled, and apparently, so has the interest of their fans. Only 25,276 showed up at Candlestick Park on Labor Day to greet a first-place team for its next-to-last home-stand and watch it defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-1.

"I'm surprised there were even that many," pitcher Bryan Hickerson said sarcastically.

"When we win the pennant," pitcher Dave Burba added, "we'll see what kind of frontrunners are here."

STRAWBERRY IN LIMBO

LOS ANGELES - Darryl Strawberry was a no-show at Dodger Stadium, and whether he ever comes back is "iffy" at best.

On the field, the Los Angeles Dodgers took a whack at Atlanta's title hopes, edging the Braves 2-1.

Meanwhile, Dodger club president Peter O'Malley and Executive Vice President Fred Claire, in separate interviews, made it clear the club has grown weary of the continued controversy surrounding Strawberry, and they may seek to rid themselves altogether of the slugger as well as escape the two-plus years he has remaining on his five-year, $20.25 million contract.

"We're exploring all possibilities," said O'Malley, who also said: "Good citizenship is essential. I just hope the allegations are not true."

HURDLE EXITS KANSAS CITY

HOUSTON - Clint Hurdle, who has managed the New York Mets' top farm club for the past two seasons, is leaving the organization because he feels his future is blocked by Dallas Green.

"With the hiring of Dallas Green, it became apparent that the advancement of Clint's managerial career in New York would not be able to happen in the near future," Met vice president Gerry Hunsicker said.

Notes

-- Atlanta activated Deion Sanders from the disabled list, and the speedy outfielder pinch ran in a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Sanders said he is still not at full strength after missing 13 games because of an inflammation of the larynx.

-- The Royals said 15-game winner Kevin Appier would miss his scheduled start tomorrow because of a sore arm.

-- Philadelphia starter Terry Mulholland was removed after facing only three batters because of a left hip flexor strain.

-- Kansas City's George Brett, who turned 40 this season, said he will decide by Sept. 24 if he will return for another season.

-- Outfielder Melvin Nieves, acquired from the Atlanta Braves in the deal for Fred McGriff, was one of four players recalled by the San Diego Padres from Class AAA Las Vegas.

Marin (Calif.) Independent Journal, Associated Press and Knight-Ridder Newspapers.