Braves' Rocker apologizes to New Yorkers

Listen to Rocker's statement during a pre-game news conference ( 259 K/24 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

'I'm merely a baseball player,' pitcher says

June 29, 2000
Web posted at: 7:44 p.m. EDT (2344 GMT)

In this story: 'Like protecting the Ku Klux Klan' Rocker doesn't take train after all Is ignoring Rocker the best revenge? Extra protection at Shea Stadium RELATED STORIES, SITES

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Before Atlanta Braves relief pitcher John Rocker entered the dugout at Shea Stadium, he walked up to the podium to offer an apology to New York Mets' fans who were insulted by his published comments about New Yorkers.

"About my presumed hatred of the people of New York, the comments I made over six months ago offended many people," Rocker said. "I'm fully aware of this, and I sincerely apologize."

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The issue was a distraction to his teammates, in part, Rocker said, because the media overplayed his significance.

"I'm merely a baseball player, guys," Rocker told reporters. "In the great scheme of things, my thoughts, opinions and attitudes are of little importance."

Rocker urged everyone to focus on the game, saying no player, fan or sportswriter is bigger than the game.

With the fist game of a four-game Braves-Mets series in New York underway, authorities on Thursday wrapped up plans to ensure that Rocker met with nothing more dangerous than heckling.

This is the Atlanta relief pitcher's first visit to Shea Stadium since his remarks in a Sports Illustrated interview insulted many New Yorkers.

"We're gonna give him a New York welcome -- we're gonna boo him," said one fan.

'Like protecting the Ku Klux Klan'

New York Police Commissioner Howard Safir said officers were ready to protect Rocker -- even if they disliked what the pitcher had to say.

"This is like protecting the Ku Klux Klan," Safir told CNN on Thursday. "You don't particularly care for the people you're protecting, but it's your duty to do so."

Rocker and the Braves arrived in Manhattan late Wednesday night and checked into their hotel. Police were present.

Rocker's relationship with baseball fans in the Big Apple was never nice. He spit at them, and they threw things at him.

A security officer stands in the visitors bullpen at Shea Stadium in New York; the fence in the background was installed to protect Rocker

His comments to Sports Illustrated last December, however, went beyond targeting the fans, lashing out at young mothers, people with AIDS, gays and immigrants.

He changed his tune Thursday night when he apologized.

"I also am fully aware that the overwhelming majority of people in this city are extremely charismatic, full of personality -- though a bit spirited at times -- but nevertheless that doesn't make them bad people," said Rocker.

But it will be tough to convince angry New Yorkers of Rocker's change of attitude.

"He could burn in hell for all I care," said a New York fan earlier this week.

"We should kick his butt," said another.

Rocker doesn't take train after all

Rocker startled city officials last week when he said he planned to ride the No. 7 subway train, which he singled out in the magazine article as "depressing." The train travels through several immigrant neighborhoods in Queens.

"I won't be in a cab," Rocker vowed. "I won't be on the bus. I'll be on that train."

But Safir said Thursday he'd been assured that Rocker would not take the train.

Is ignoring Rocker the best revenge?

If New Yorkers do encounter Rocker, Mayor Rudy Giuliani said they should try "to have a counterintuitive response."

"And that is -- just be nice," Giuliani said.

Rocker signs autographs Wednesday in Montreal

Some Queens residents said Thursday that Rocker merely showed his own stupidity in the Sports Illustrated interview.

"I'm kind of ignoring it," one fan said.

Andrew Marchand of the New York Post told CNN that ignoring Rocker could be the best way for New York fans to get even -- since the pitcher has said that being ignored is the worst treatment.

Extra protection at Shea Stadium

Shea Stadium has prepared for the prospect of some not-so-nice behavior.

"John Rocker is requiring extensive police presence in the ballpark," said Dave Howard, the Mets' vice president of business and legal affairs.

Close to 600 police officers, 10 times the normal number of officers for a Mets game, will be in the stadium because of Rocker. The Mets have also constructed a special cover for the visiting bullpen to protect Rocker against thrown objects and liquids.

For months, there has been talk of a "John Rocker Battery Day," with fans threatening to throw batteries at him.

"A lot of people are going to try to shower him with not only batteries, but probably with battery acid," said a fan.

A police source also said an Atlanta police lieutenant would travel with the team, wearing a Braves uniform at the games to blend in.

Rocker's presence will slow down the flow of alcohol at the ballpark. Fans will be limited to buying two beers at a time instead of the normal four, and beer sales will end in the sixth inning instead of the seventh.

The Atlanta Braves and Sports Illustrated are owned by Time Warner, parent company of CNN and CNN.com.

Correspondents Frank Buckley, Jeff Flock and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Atlanta pitcher Rocker sent to minor leagues
June 5, 2000
'Sorry' Rocker back with Braves
March 2, 2000
Rocker suspension goes to baseball arbitrator
February 9, 2000
Rocker should get another chance, Turner says
January 20, 2000
John Rocker's career stats

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