Hall of Fame pitcher apologizes after politically incorrect on-camera tribute to Cleveland Indians

Following the Cleveland Indians' sweep of the Boston Red Sox in the American League Divisional Series, Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez gave props to the Indians' triumph during Monday's postgame show — but in a manner that had Martinez soon apologizing.

"I used to hunt Indians," the former Red Sox pitcher said, "but now I'm gonna pay tribute to the Indians."

With that Martinez began popping his fingers against his lips while letting out a stereotypical Native American war cry:

Pedro Martinez says he apologizes "if I was misunderstood" when "trying to pay tribute to the Cleveland Indians" https://t.co/k6M0ZLplNW pic.twitter.com/RPrK9SSEsE

— Deadspin (@Deadspin) October 11, 2016

If his actions were offensive to his co-hosts in front of the camera, it wasn't immediately apparent, as chuckles quickly followed it.

But it wasn't long before Martinez hit Twitter to make amends:

"I send my apologies if I was misunderstood when I was trying to pay tribute to the Cleveland Indians on the TBS post season show," he tweeted. "I was referring to my pitching years facing Cleveland. Nothing else. Again, my apologies."

The Cleveland mascot has come under fire in recent years as public backlash over sports teams using Native American references for mascots has increased.