When baseball owners voted to increase Commissioner Bud Selig’s power in January, some compared his expanded authority to the iron-fisted reign of Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis. But it took only one ruling to see the difference between the modern era and Landis’ rule in the post-Black Sox days.
And that is the power of the Major League Baseball Players Association. It flexed its muscle in defense of controversial Atlanta Braves closer John Rocker, who had his suspension greatly reduced in an appeal his agents and lawyers from the union argued before an arbitrator.
Rocker, who had been suspended until May 1 for comments disparaging immigrants, minorities and homosexuals, can return to uniform Thursday because arbitrator Shaym Das lessened the penalty to the first two weeks of the regular season. The fine Selig had imposed also was reduced from $20,000 to $500. He also was allowed to report to spring training immediately.
While precedent suggested the union would succeed in having the suspension reduced, the ruling was clearly a blow to Selig.
“The arbitrator’s ruling undermines the discipline system and sends precisely the wrong message,” former National League President Leonard Coleman said. “Baseball must be a socially responsible institution.”
Selig immediately voiced his displeasure with the ruling. He said Rocker’s remarks, published in Sports Illustrated, were an affront to fans, players and baseball executives.
“I disagree with the decision,” Selig said in a statement. “It does not reflect any understanding or sensitivity to the important social responsibility that baseball has to the public. It completely ignores the sensibilities of the groups or people maligned by Mr. Rocker and disregards the player’s position as a role model for children.”
Rocker saved 38 games for Atlanta last season but has received little support from Braves management and teammates. In addition to ethnic groups, his comments in the article criticized manager Bobby Cox and the “country-club” atmosphere of the Atlanta clubhouse.
Rocker specifically blamed veteran shortstop Ozzie Guillen for a blown save in the National League Championship Series and referred to one teammate as a “fat monkey.” First baseman Randall Simon believes that was aimed at him.
Rocker issued a blanket apology in an ESPN interview but has not interacted with his teammates since Selig issued the suspension Jan. 31.
His arrival could be a bigger media event than Ken Griffey Jr.’s first day with the Cincinnati Reds.
Guillen is not looking for contrition. “We don’t want him to come into camp and apologize,” he said. “He should show up with his head up, put his uniform on and keep his mouth shut.”
Rocker reportedly does plan to meet with his teammates before Thursday’s workout at the Disney World complex. He also may hold a news conference.
Shortly after the interview was published, Braves President Stan Kasten initially did not rule out releasing Rocker.
But owner Ted Turner said Rocker deserves another chance.
General Manager John Schuerholz has talked to some teams, believed to include Montreal and Tampa Bay, about a possible trade.
But it appears Rocker will begin his road back with the Braves.
“We don’t anticipate this being a problem,” Schuerholz said. “I think John realizes he needs to mend his place in the team with his teammates.”
Even though Rocker’s suspension in effect was reduced from 28 games to 12, the union had hoped for a bigger victory.
Associate general counsel Gene Orza said he was disappointed.
Rocker is scheduled to return for a home game April 18 against Philadelphia. He should benefit greatly from being allowed to participate in spring training. He had been kept out of camp under Selig’s original ban.
“My feeling is I would rather deal with it now, when the outcomes of the games don’t matter, than have it drop on us right dab in the middle of the season,” Atlanta pitcher Tom Glavine said. “We still have to exercise patience. It’s already getting old and even if he gets here [Thursday] or Friday, it’s not going to go away for a while.”
Rocker played a key role for the Braves in 1999 as part of an improved bullpen. If he cannot regain his form, it would boost the hopes of the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East race.
“It will make me angry if John Rocker lets all this bother him,” Guillen said. “It takes guts to play this game. Now he has to show some.”
