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Controversial former MLB pitcher John Rocker issued explicit criticism New York on Tuesday as the election for the city's next mayor approaches.
Rocker recounted remarks he made to Sports Illustrated in December 1999 after the Atlanta Braves took on the Atlanta Braves. New York Mets in the National League Championship Series. He wrote on social networks that in his eyes the city has not changed much.
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Atlanta Braves closing pitcher John Rocker returns some compliments to unruly New York Mets fans after the final game of Game 3 of the 1999 National League Championship Series at Shea Stadium. (Howard Earl Simmons/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
“25 years ago I criticized New York for its rapid transformation into a third world country,” he wrote on X. “I was forced into counseling as if I was crazy. 25 years later, the city votes for a Muslim socialist to be mayor. FUCK NEW YORK.”
The rocker was referring to Zohran Mamdani, who is the favorite to win the election over the former New York governor. Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
Rocker's infamous remarks to the magazine came at the height of the scandal. Braves–Mets rivalry in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Mets finally advanced through the Braves in the 2000 NLCS and played in the World Series against the New York Yankees later that year.
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani greets supporters during a “New York is Not for Sale” rally at Forest Hills Stadium in the Queens borough of New York City, USA, October 26, 2025. (REUTERS/Eduardo Muñoz)
“I would be the first to retire. This is the most restless and nervous city,” he said. magazine when asked if he would ever play in New York. “Imagine having to take the No. 7 train to the stadium and look like you're riding through Beirut next to some guy with purple hair, next to some weirdo with AIDS, next to some dude who just got out of prison for the fourth time, next to some 20-year-old mom with four kids. It's depressing.
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Anti-John Rocker fans look for him before the game between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York on July 2, 2000. (Ezra O. Shaw/Allsport)
“The biggest thing I don’t like about New York is foreigners. You can walk a whole block in Times Square and not hear anyone speak English. Asians, Koreans, Vietnamese, Indians, Russians, Spaniards and everyone else there. How the hell did they get into this country?”
According to the publication, Roker was suspended from classes for his statements and was forced to undergo psychiatric consultation. New York Post. He must have heard it from the Shea Stadium faithful when he came to town the following year.
Rocker, who made 38 saves in 1999, left Atlanta midway through the 2001 season. He was out of the majors after two games with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2003.
He may not have played in New York, but he came as close as he could by playing 23 games for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball in 2005.
Former Atlanta Braves relief pitcher John Rocker watches the game between the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at Philips Arena on February 19, 2016. (Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports)
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Mamdani, socialistwon the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York. The elections will take place next Tuesday.
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