Commissioner Bud Selig suspends John Rocker until May 1, a span of 73 days, due to the Braves closer’s racial and ethnic insensitive remarks
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Commissioner Bud Selig suspends John Rocker until May 1, a span of 73 days, due to the Braves closer’s racial and ethnic insensitive remarks

ByThis Day in Baseball

“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.” – JOHN ROCKER, commenting in a Sports Illustrated article on his feelings about playing for a New York team. Commissioner Bud Selig suspends John Rocker until May 1, a span of 73 days, due to the Braves closer’s racial and ethnic insensitive remarks reported in a Sports Illustrated article written by Jeff Pearlman. The 25 year-old reliever from Georgia, who is also fined $20,000 and ordered to attend sensitivity training, becomes the first player to be disciplined for comments made publicly.

2000 – The New York Mets announce that singer Garth Brooks will participate in spring training with the team. Brooks worked out last spring with the San Diego Padres going 1 for 22 for a .045 batting average.

ByTom

2000 – The New York Mets announce that singer Garth Brooks will participate in spring training with the team. Brooks worked out last spring with the San Diego Padres going 1 for 22 for a .045 batting average.

2000 – The Cleveland Indians sign free agent pitcher Scott Sanders after his agent spurns a multi-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.

ByTom

2000 – The Cleveland Indians sign free agent pitcher Scott Sanders after his agent spurns a multi-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.

2000 – New York Yankees prospect D’Angelo Jimenez suffers a broken neck when a car he is driving in the Dominican Republic collides with a bus. Jimenez is not paralyzed but will miss this season. He figured to be the Yankees’ reserve infielder, taking over the role that Luis Sojo, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, filled last season.

ByTom

2000 – New York Yankees prospect D’Angelo Jimenez suffers a broken neck when a car he is driving in the Dominican Republic collides with a bus. Jimenez is not paralyzed but will miss this season. He figured to be the Yankees’ reserve infielder, taking over the role that Luis Sojo, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, filled last season.

The Mets sign free agent pitcher Rich Rodriguez to a two-year contract and reacquire pitcher Bill Pulsipher from the Brewers in exchange for infielder Luis Lopez.

ByTom

The Mets sign free agent pitcher Rich Rodriguez to a two-year contract and reacquire pitcher Bill Pulsipher from the Brewers in exchange for infielder Luis Lopez.

The Detroit Tigers sign free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo to a one-year contract. Nomo’s agent had declined a multi-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, expecting more on the open market.

ByTom

The Detroit Tigers sign free agent pitcher Hideo Nomo to a one-year contract. Nomo’s agent had declined a multi-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, expecting more on the open market.

The National Labor Relations Board refuses to overturn the election which removed Richie Phillips and the Major League Umpires Association from power. A new union will represent the arbiters.

ByTom

The National Labor Relations Board refuses to overturn the election which removed Richie Phillips and the Major League Umpires Association from power. A new union will represent the arbiters.

2000 – The 30 major league owners vote to give all their Internet rights to the Commissioner’s office. This decision allows for the creation of mlb.com, which will become a model of success for other professional sports leagues. Bud Selig will parcel out monies earned from the venture in equal amounts, creating an important new source of revenue for all teams.

ByTom

2000 – The 30 major league owners vote to give all their Internet rights to the Commissioner’s office. This decision allows for the creation of mlb.com, which will become a model of success for other professional sports leagues. Bud Selig will parcel out monies earned from the venture in equal amounts, creating an important new source of revenue for all teams.

2000 – Major League Baseball owners vote to approve the $320 million sale of the Cleveland Indians to Larry Dolan and his family trusts. They also vote to give Commissioner Bud Selig power “without limitation” to ensure “there is an appropriate level of long-term competitive balance among the clubs.” He can override all of baseball’s rules, and even attempt to impose a salary cap if he thinks it necessary to reach an agreement with the players following the 2001 season.

ByTom

2000 – Major League Baseball owners vote to approve the $320 million sale of the Cleveland Indians to Larry Dolan and his family trusts. They also vote to give Commissioner Bud Selig power “without limitation” to ensure “there is an appropriate level of long-term competitive balance among the clubs.” He can override all of baseball’s rules, and even attempt to impose a salary cap if he thinks it necessary to reach an agreement with the players following the 2001 season.