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The first black baseball player in the Major Leagues. He was drummed out of the league by Hall of Famer Cap Anson. If anybody favored Moses Fleetwood Walker remaining in the major leagues, they did not have to guts to speak up. Where was the John Rocker of 1884 to stand up and say what was politically incorrect, and make Jackie Robinson unnecessary.
I'm now defending Rocker because he was a victim of character assassination because he had the courage to say what he thought
At the outset, I was not defending Rocker. I held him up as an example of what the media does to athletes and entertainers who say what they think. To explain why everybody wore 42 that day, despite the obvious self-serving hypocrisy of those who stage what is now an annual pageantry.
Can someone fill me on John Rocker? I always heard people call him a racist, just never heard the story...
The only thing Rocker lacked was the media savvy to know that a reporter would hang him out to dry for a buck. Which is why superstar Steve Carlton and a number of other players made it a policy to say absolutely nothing, ever, if there was a media representative within 100 yards. Rocker probably had no idea that the writer would quote everything he said about every topic, and that everything was supposedly on the record. Even Ted Williams learned that the hard way in the 1930s and the media didn't forgive him until he was in a walker, too senile to say what he thought.
Players (and entertainers) learn early that you keep your mouth shut, no matter how valid your point or how diplomatically you say it. Many the hard way. Curt Schilling was treated unkindly by the media for outspoken Conservative pro-administration views. How in the hell does Manny Ramirez articulate his point in a professional manner? The very young Rocker, still green from the sticks, did not yet learn that very hard lesson.
And you're telling me that there is a way a player could explain that he is not wearing 42 because it is being exploited in a media circus?
By the way, Rocker "handled the situation" pretty well, comparatively. He was loudly booed when he apologized, at Shea Stadium where he retired the Mets in order, while New York fans "used common sense to handle the situation", chanting "a$$hole a$$hole" and throwing batteries at him. Not one New York fan apologized to him for that.
Yes, I think that if articulated correctly, a player can put forth his intentions.
Rocker didn't apologize until forced by the Braves. I agree two wrongs don't make a right, but he should have thought about that before his acions.
If you are saying that he truly had the guts to say what he thought, then why would he feel the need to apologize?
I'm now defending Rocker because he was a victim of character assassination because he had the courage to say what he thought
At the outset, I was not defending Rocker. I held him up as an example of what the media does to athletes and entertainers who say what they think. To explain why everybody wore 42 that day, despite the obvious self-serving hypocrisy of those who stage what is now an annual pageantry.
Yesterday was the 62nd anniversary when he broke into the majors. It is still a significant event. I'm not sure how it can be considered "annual pagentry"
Anyway, maybe the players who don't agree with the day of symbolisim need to ask themselves why. Is it truly because they feel it's "annual pagentry" or what?
If they are honest with themselves and feel that its annual pagentry then they should stick to their guns - in a professional manner.
Somehow, IMO any player who feels like this may not be truthful and would be hiding behind that story to cover up their real feelings.
The first black baseball player in the Major Leagues. He was drummed out of the league by Hall of Famer Cap Anson. If anybody favored Moses Fleetwood Walker remaining in the major leagues, they did not have to guts to speak up. Where was the John Rocker of 1884 to stand up and say what was politically incorrect, and make Jackie Robinson unnecessary.
Hmmm, the John Rocker of 1884 was probably on the "drumming out" comittee.
1884 was an entirely different time, and IMO can't be compared to 100 years later.
Hmmm, the John Rocker of 1884 was probably on the "drumming out" comittee.
1884 was an entirely different time, and IMO can't be compared to 100 years later.
If you'll reread my post, I described the John Rocker of 1884 as the one who had the guts to say what he thought was right, even if not politically correct. None of Walker's teammates had any objection to his being on the team. One opposing player, single-handedly,forced him out of baseball. Nobody stood up against him.
Jlhct, in 1980, there were more African American players in the majors than there are now. But the pageantry was not thought necessary then---why should it be now? Money, for white club owners and concessionaires. Look at crowd shots in telecasts---the only blacks are the vendors. Black fans can't afford the $80 tickets.
If you'll reread my post, I described the John Rocker of 1884 as the one who had the guts to say what he thought was right, even if not politically correct. None of Walker's teammates had any objection to his being on the team. One opposing player, single-handedly,forced him out of baseball. Nobody stood up against him.
Jlhct, in 1980, there were more African American players in the majors than there are now. But the pageantry was not thought necessary then---why should it be now? Money, for white club owners and concessionaires. Look at crowd shots in telecasts---the only blacks are the vendors. Black fans can't afford the $80 tickets.
OK, I didn't quite understand the 1884 post, but I do now.
In regards to the pagentry, maybe it is so that people won't forget. It's a significant event that should be honored. It doesn't matter if there are less blacks in the league now than in years past.
If you feel that the event is just for money for the "white" club owners then that is your opinion, but not everyone feels that way. I'm going to guess that many of the players don't either.
Stick around a person long enough and you will know if they are racist or not. People talk a certain way about others, like tearing them down for the slightest thing.
Commenting on thier lineage or that they arent 'good enough' is a sure sign of discontent, and malcontent... Then there is thier actions. Do they put down people, make snide remarks about silly stuff that doesnt make sense to get a raise out of someone, to either set them up for a fall guy or the butt of jokes.
Its not hard to notice an idiot, or fool, and its the fool tht will start the entire mess going to disrupte someones day''Later...
May the LORD Bless each of you
I wish you well...
Jesse
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