John Locker Reflects on Controversial Past 25 Years Later
Some things, it seems, never change.
Former Braves pitcher John Locker still has strong feelings about New York City. In a recent social media post, he criticized the city, echoing sentiments from a notorious Sports Illustrated article that celebrated the 25th anniversary of his first game at Shea Stadium. This time, his targets include LGBTQ+ individuals, minorities, women, and immigrants.
Locker made his debut in Queens on June 29, 2000.
Recently, the now 50-year-old Locker took to social media to recall that day.
“Today, 25 years ago, I pitched for the first time since the Sports Illustrated article came out at Shea Stadium,” he noted on x. “There were over 700 NYPD officers present. Police even had to escort someone out for throwing a beer bottle at me.”
“And we won that game.”
He ended his post with a blunt message: “F-K New York.”
In that game, the Braves defeated the Mets 6-4. Locker entered in the bottom of the eighth inning, striking out Robin Ventura, Todd Zeil, and Jay Payton before handing over the mound to Kelly Rigtenberg.
The controversy surrounding Locker began after the release of the Sports Illustrated article, where he expressed disdain for many in New York and compared a subway ride to “riding through Beirut.”
He famously described a scene that included “a 20-year-old mother of four, right next to a man just out of prison, next to a queer with AIDS, and a child with purple hair.”
These comments ignited a media firestorm. When Locker returned to New York, an extensive police presence was assigned to the game to ensure safety. Reports indicated that up to 600 officers were at Shea Stadium, along with footage from Fox Sports New York.
Locker had to navigate the game with a police escort separate from his teammates, and he recorded an apology that aired on Shea Stadium’s video board prior to the game. “I truly apologize to anyone who was hurt by my comments,” he said, as reported by ESPN.
“I understand that most New Yorkers are genuinely charismatic and full of character,” he added. “Sure, they can be a bit much sometimes, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad people.”
Throughout his career, Locker excelled against the Mets, with an impressive 1.93 ERA and 26 strikeouts in just over 18 innings. He also secured two saves during the 1999 NLCS against New York.
Interestingly, Locker’s controversial remarks were not his last, as he continued to play in the majors until 2003. In a twist of fate, he signed with the Independent Atlantic League’s Long Island Ducks in 2005, playing just outside the city he had so publicly criticized.
