Steroids in Baseball

Steroids: every doctor, parent, or in this case, baseball commissioner’s worst nightmare.   Baseball, “America’s Pastime”, has always been a game that has always prided itself on its integrity and sportsmanship.   Up until a few years ago, baseball had been a natural, substance free game.   Records, players, managers, fans, everything was completely and 100% pure.   Over the years, players have tried to cheat their way around the game; corking the bats, using extra pine tar, even the occasional frozen ball trick.   All of those seemed to fail, as most were caught.   But up until around the 1998 season, steroids never was an issue.   It suddenly became more and more apparent as balls began to leave the park more often, and players started looking like body builders rather than baseball players.   What is called the “Steroid Era” has in many person’s eyes tainted the game, and has created numerous arguments and controversies across the country.   But, in my eyes, steroids have brought more excitement to the game, and has attracted more and more fans because of it.   Steroids may have a bad affect on a human’s body but, as a whole, has done wonders for the sport.
Baseball has been around since the 1870’s.   Though more rules have been created, more teams have been added, heroes have been born and died, through the years fan support has always had up’s and downs.   In 1994, baseball players and owners could not meet on a new labor contract.   So halfway through the season, the season was cancelled as the players and owners went on strike.   After the 232 day struggle, play resumed.   The main effect of it was the lack of fan support as they were frustrated with major league baseball and the commissioners’ decisions.   Rolling into the 1998 season, baseball was in desperate need of rejuvenation.   The three things that brought fans and attention back on the beautiful game were: Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and a performance-enhancing drug called steroids.   Players, especially McGwire and... [continues]

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