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Humble pie Rocker starts working out kinks with AAA Richmond
Posted: Friday June 09, 2000 02:33 AM
MAUMEE, Ohio (AP) -- Standing in the shadows of reporters and cameras, John Rocker was muttering to himself again. This time his fastball was the source of his frustration. Rocker spent his first day back in the minor leagues Thursday smoothing out his delivery on a bullpen mound. He didn't see any action Thursday with the Triple-A Richmond Braves against the Toledo Mud Hens. The reliever who has become a target of fans across the nation for his offensive remarks was welcomed with a standing ovation and only a few boos. "I was shocked by how the fans love him," said Richmond third baseman Wes Helms. After waiting two days to report to his minor league assignment, Rocker finally was in uniform with Richmond. He signed autographs for fans and a sheriff's deputy before the game. Chris Edwards, a fan from Bowling Green, couldn't believe there were cheers. "This is pathetic," he said. "That's the last reaction I would suspect." There were far more fans holding signs like 'Rocker You Don't Offend Me.' "I think we have to look at ourselves closely when we take a pitcher more serious than our president," said Matthew Barton of Bowling Green. "People who show up at a minor league baseball game are here for the love of the game, not for the politics." Rocker's appearance drew 6,212, Toledo's second largest crowd this season. There were a few boos and some people left once it became apparent Rocker wouldn't see any action in Toledo's 10-4 victory. Rocker was expected to pitch today in a relief appearance against the Mud Hens. The reception in the clubhouse was just as friendly. "To me, it was like old times," Helms said. "He gave everybody a warm hello." Rocker wouldn't speak to reporters. He spent 20 minutes throwing in the bullpen before Thursday's game, working on his delivery. At times, he appeared frustrated with the command of his fastball, muttering to himself. Besides working on his pitching, the Braves hope Rocker will work out his off-the-field problems. Atlanta assistant general manager Frank Wren said some of the pitcher's problems come from stress. "Physically, he's throwing the ball better than ever," Wren said, "but this has taken a real toll on him." Wren was at the ballpark to oversee Rocker's arrival. The reliever signed a few autographs at the Toledo airport for passengers on his flight before he and Wren drove away, avoiding reporters. Unlike major leaguers, Rocker had to carry his own bag off the plane. But it was obvious he was not just another player going down to the minors. Rocker arrived at Ned Skeldon Stadium in this Toledo suburb in a rental car instead of on the team bus. When Rocker walked onto the field, several Toledo players taking batting practice stopped to watch. Wren said he was not disappointed that Rocker waited until the last minute to show. 'Most players take their time when they're sent down,' Wren said. Rocker, who had 38 saves last season with Atlanta, was banished to the minor leagues Monday for control problems. He also was fined $5,000 for a confrontation before Sunday's home game in Atlanta with Sports Illustrated reporter Jeff Pearlman. In December, Pearlman had written a story on Rocker's comments about gays, minorities, and foreigners. Rocker had 10 saves in 11 opportunities and a 3.93 ERA this season with Atlanta, but walked 25 batters in 18 1-3 innings. Security was tight in Toledo for Rocker's first appearance. Temporary fences kept fans away from a walkway both teams use on the way to the field. There were 18 sheriff's deputies on duty instead of the usual four. Major League Baseball security officials also were at the game, assisting with the crush of media members and fans. Reporters and photographers were limited to where they could stand. Both clubhouses were closed.
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