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This Day in Baseball History

Reuters

2000 - MLB suspends John Rocker for racial and insensitive remarks

Atlanta Braves reliever John Rocker was never one to hold back. 

Whether it's running full speed from the bullpen to the mound, unleashing his 98-mph fastball or engaging in a heated exchange with fans of the New York Mets, the hulking left-hander did and said anything his way.

His way, however, landed him a four month suspension from Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig in 2000, following his remarks during an interview with Sports Illustrated

When asked for his thoughts on ever playing for a team in New York, Rocker responded by saying: 

I would retire first. It's the most hectic, nerve-racking city. Imagine having to take the (Number) 7 train to the ballpark, looking like you're (riding through) Beirut next to some kid with purple hair next to some queer with AIDS right next to some dude who just got out of jail for the fourth time right next to some 20-year-old mom with four kids. It's depressing.

The biggest thing I don't like about New York are the foreigners. I'm not a very big fan of foreigners. You can walk an entire block in Times Square and not hear anybody speaking English. Asians and Koreans and Vietnamese and Indians and Russians and Spanish people and everything up there. How the hell did they get in this country?

Under the suspension, Rocker is prohibited from taking part in spring training and is forced to miss the first 28 days of the season. He is also ordered to undergo sensitively training.

''Major League Baseball takes seriously its role as an American institution and the important social responsibility that goes with it,'' Selig said in a statement. ''We will not dodge our responsibility. Mr. Rocker should understand that his remarks offended practically every element of society and brought dishonor to himself, the Atlanta Braves and Major League Baseball.''

Birthdays

1893 - George Burns
1919 - Jackie Robinson
1931 - Ernie Banks
1947 - Nolan Ryan
1982 - Yuniesky Betancourt
1984 - Josh Johnson
1989 - Tommy La Stella

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