Rocker Gets Warm Welcome but He Still Snaps at Media

John Rocker returned to a standing ovation Tuesday night, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in his first game since rejoining the Atlanta Braves after a two-week suspension.

The crowd of 34,903 gave Rocker a big cheer when the reliever sprinted in from the bullpen. One fan held up a sign that read: “Rocker for President.”

Rocker struck out the first hitter he faced, Philadelphia’s Mickey Morandini, walked the next batter and then got two flyouts.

Rocker left with the score tied 3-3. When he exited after his one-inning outing, many of the fans left Turner Field, too.

The Braves eventually won, 4-3, in 12 innings.

“It’s all out of the way,” said teammate Brian Jordan, one of the reliever’s harshest critics initially. “Rocker’s back. Hopefully, things will quiet down a little bit and we can get back to baseball.”

Perhaps hoping to avoid another misstep, Rocker continued his policy of refusing to speak to the media about the controversy.

“Beat it, media,” he barked at reporters who surrounded his locker after the game. “Are you deaf?”

There was hardly a hint of protest before the game, with Rocker hoping fans remember his fastball more than his comments about minorities, gays and immigrants. Overall, it seemed just like another nondescript, midweek game for a lot more reporters.

Rocker said he heard only one negative remark while traveling with the Braves last weekend in Milwaukee.

“It’s not a big deal,” Rocker told TBS for an interview that aired before the game. “I think when the team starts winning and we get the ball rolling, all that will be forgotten.”

His teammates made peace with the reliever during spring training and he had already pitched in Atlanta during an April 1 exhibition game.