Steroids in Baseball: The Future of Baseball

Steroids in Baseball: The Future of Baseball

It was a warm, sultry night in September. The fans were crazed in anticipation as Mark McGwire stepped to the plate. With a gentle stretch, he paused, patiently poised, waiting for what would eventually be the greatest hit baseball had ever seen. The pitcher, Steve Trachsel, came set. He shot a determined look to the dirt. In a rivalry such as this (Cubs, Cardinals) he did not want to be the one to give up the great number 62. He cocked his arm back, to let loose what would be an eighty-eight mile an hour fastball that most men would not see fly by, but Big Mac was not most men. With one mighty swing, sixty-one was no more, ney sayers were silenced, and the game of baseball was changed forever. There was uproar in the park, cheers and screams, laughter and joy, fathers hugged sons and husbands kissed wives. Everyone in the stadium had a story to tell about where they were sitting and what they saw.

Too bad many of those stories will not live on, will not be passed down, and might never be heard again. If you wonder why, the answer is simple, use of anabolic steroids being considered cheating. One of the greatest sports moments since the beginning of baseball should not be tarnished by reports of steroid use. That season helped bring baseball back to the spotlight; made it the American pastime again like it was for our parents and theirs before them. Steroid use has nothing but positive effects on baseball. Steroid use is not hurting baseball, the associated press is with its unmitigated accusations of cheating. Steroids are not cheating; they are the natural progression and way of the future in baseball.

Ever since the first accusations of steroid use made public in 2003, the game of baseball has got a bad rap in the United States. It may have a bad rap right now, but when people understand both sides of the steroid debate, that will all change.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is quoted saying," One of the most disturbing effects of steroid use for males is that the body begins to produce less of its own testosterone, as testicles may begin to shrink. Following is a list of some of the other effects of steroid use for males: Reduced sperm count, impotence, and increase in nipple and breast size, enlarged prostate." The major problem with their argument is in the very same article they say quote," Anabolic steroids help build muscle tissue and increase in size acting like the body's natural male hormone, testosterone." It is obvious the player should have the right to weigh the means.

Steroid.org noted only two external side affects (balding,changes in skin) and noted only the following 11 internal changes: Psychic, Feminization, Cardiovascular, Gynecomastia, Growth Deficits, Headaches, Kidney problems, Liver problems, Immune system, Impotence, and Stomachaches. Which all may seem bad but are less of a threat to athletes than most prescribed allergy medicines. The article even goes on to admit, the biggest factor leading to negative side affects is misuse. A regulated and informed usage policy would be very beneficial to the game as well as the athletes themselves.

If baseball's administration thinks that steroids are honestly hurting the game so much, why the delay in finding a suitable means of testing? Players have suggested to Sports Illustrated that:

One reason for baseball's slow response is that by making players bigger

the average All-Star weighed 211 pounds last year, compared to 199 in

1991--steroids have contributed to one of the greatest slugging booms in

the games history. The single-season home run record was broken twice in

four years, while the 60-homer plateau has been surpassed six times. Even

lead off hitters and utility infielders are hitting home runs in record

numbers( qtd. In Caminiti comes clean. S.I.com).

The players understand good business and know what is good for the game.

Curt Shilling, pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, says, "We're playing in an environment in the last decade that's tailored to produce offensive numbers anyway, with smaller ballparks, the smaller strike zone, and so forth. When you add in steroids and strength training, you're seeing records not being broken, but completely shattered (qtd. In Caminiti).

Records set, homers hit, and one hundred