John Rocker Biography

John Loy Rocker, born October 17, 1974, played six seasons in Major League Baseball as a relief pitcher, mostly for the Atlanta Braves. Rocker made his major league debut in 1998 with the Braves, where he spent four seasons before joining the Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Rocker's career included public remarks that drew attention starting with a 1999 interview in Sports Illustrated and continuing after he retired. Following the conclusion of his baseball career, Rocker competed on Survivor: San Juan del Sur with girlfriend Julie McGee, placing 16th. The Atlanta Braves selected Rocker in the 18th round (516th overall) of the 1993 Major League Baseball draft. On June 22, 2001, John Rocker was sent to the Cleveland Indians in a trade that included minor-league infielder Troy Cameron, a 1997 first-round draft pick, in exchange for relievers Steve Karsay and Steve Reed plus cash. In 2003, Rocker signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays but was released after two appearances and an ERA of 9.00.