Apparently, as Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa continue to climb the ladder of all-time home run, increasingly speculated as to steroids, or no claims these players users. While some athletes in prime time, as Jason Giambi, are beginning to admit their use of illegal performance enhancing substances, some still choose to stay in the shadows and hide their guilt. Now that you've reached the point where records are falling respected, concern for the issue only growing.
This leaves us with several questions concerning certain superstars. Take Mark McGwire as an example. During the time they were chasing Maris and Sammy the single season home run record, everyone seemed to turn the other cheek when bringing the issue of steroids. Now, after McGwire has been retired for 5 years (with right to be in the next hall of fame of the vote), many speculate the credibility of this player. McGwire hit 583 home runs in his career, and every player that has affected at least 500 longballs and has appeared on a ballot has been selected. In a recent ESPN poll of Hall of Fame voters, over 70% stated that they did not select McGwire. Although McGwire has never admitted using steroids, has admitted to using various steroid precursors. Unfortunately, Maris record "has already been broken, and MLB did not put forward a major effort in recognition of the possibility that his players were using illegal substances to improve performance. Both commissioner Bud Selig said the inspection found that the situation would demoralize the reputation of the game is unknown. After all, the home run chase will generate lots of revenue and give birth much publicity, and the time may have seemed a bad idea to interfere with the attention that the game was getting. Anyway, there is no doubt that McGwire's name will go down in history as one of the most controversial athletes.
In Part 2 of this article, I will discuss other alleged users, Sammy Sosa including, Jason Giambi and José Canseco, and how it influenced the game. Come back later this week to Part 2!
Steroids and Baseball – A Scottie Ault original
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