Former Atlanta Braves relief pitcher John Rocker blames “punk kids” for the theft of a loaded gun, ammunition and other items from his pickup truck in Roswell, Channel 2 Action News reported.
Rocker, a member of the Braves’ 1999 World Series team, said the theft occurred this week while he was working out at a local gym, the station reported.
The people also stole $200 in cash and debit cards from Rocker’s truck, Channel 2 said. But it’s the stolen gun, a .357 Colt Python, that has Rocker, 42, most upset.
“It’s just a bunch of punk kids,” Rocker told Channel 2 by phone, “18-, 19- and 20-year-old punk kids.
“There’s some punk 19-year-old kid carrying a very powerful handgun right now.”
Rocker said it’s the fourth time his truck has been targeted by thieves, all the instances coming while he was working out at the same gym.
Roswell police spokeswoman Lisa Holland said, “We are always having a lot of problems in parking lots. Take your wallet with you, computers, guns. We’re getting all sorts of items taken out of cars.”
Rocker pitched for the Braves from 1998 to 2001, and retired from baseball after the 2003 season. In 1999, the last time the Braves appeared in the World Series, he saved 38 games and struck out 104 batters in 72 innings.
He also became known for a controversial Sports Illustrated interview in 1999.
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