Steroid Use in Major League Baseball

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Steroid Use in Major League Baseball
Thesis: Steroid use is prevalent in major league baseball. Players choose to use steroids despite steroids being banned, the effects steroids have on their bodies, and the impact steroids have on their careers and reputation.
I. Steroid use is banned in major league baseball. A. Banned substances enhance players’ performance. 1. Batted-ball speed increases when a player takes steroids. 2. Home-run production increases with steroid usage. B. Major league baseball policies ban the use of several substances by players.
1. The league and the players’ union have strict policies against the use of steroids. 2. The league conducts regular testing to ensure players are drug free. 3. Penalties result from steroid use.
II. The body is seriously affected by steroid use. A. Several negative physical effects exist to the body.
1. Steroid use affects natural hormone production.
2. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other cardiovascular problems are physical side effects.
3. Steroids cause liver problems. B. Psychological problems exist due to steroid use. 1. Aggressive or enraged behavior has been reported as a side effect. 2. Addiction has been reported also as a side effect.
III. The steroid scandal has negatively impacted players’ careers and reputation. A. Players’ careers damaged as a result of being linked to the steroid scandal. 1. Congressional hearing resulted in several players listed as steroid users.
2. Careers and job opportunities changed for individuals who were linked to the steroid scandal. B. Players’ reputation tarnished as a result of the steroid scandal. 1. Validity of records questioned. 2. Integrity of players and baseball questioned. Steroids in Major League Baseball
Baseball is known as American’s favorite pastime. The sport is as common as hotdogs and apple pie. People who play baseball range from the t-ball players who are four and five years old to the American Legion players who are fifty and older. In addition, fans of all ages enjoy watching the game no matter if they are watching in person at a baseball field or watching a television telecast. However, in recent years, the integrity of America’s favorite pastime has been questioned. Baseball, especially major league baseball, has fallen under a cloud of suspicion. Major league baseball players have become physically larger, and their performances appear superhuman. Numerous players breaking world records raised the question that perhaps something, namely steroids, may have enhanced their performances. Additionally, star players have been accused of using steroids, and major league baseball officials have been accused of not enforcing anti-steroid policies. The news media have issued reports and broadcasts regarding the use of steroids in major league baseball. Even Congress has been involved through their own congressional investigations. Consequently, the belief exists that steroid use is prevalent in major league baseball. Players choose to use steroids despite steroids being banned, the effects steroids have on their bodies, and the impact steroids have on their careers and reputation.
One of the reasons the use of banned substances, particularly, steroids and human growth hormones have gathered so much attention in major league baseball is that these substances are believed to enhance the performance of players. Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs that were developed in the 1950’s (Steroids: Pumped Up 10). Of over the 600 available steroids, testosterone is the steroid of choice because of its muscle - tissue building properties (Perry 1). Hence, the use of steroids promotes the building of muscle mass. Athletes combine the use of testosterone with their strict training, and this combination multiplies athletes’ increase in physical size and power (Perry 1). According to McDonnell, athletes become larger, faster, smoother, tighter, and stronger when they use steroids. Seemingly, the allure of physical enhancements is the factor that draws an athlete to using steroids (1).
However, several scientists have conducted research to evaluate if the use of steroids does impact a player’s performance. Serious debates exist over the topic. However, two researchers, Roger Tobin and Alan Nathan, concluded that steroid use does enhance a player’s performance. Tobin compared home-run production during 1994-2003, the steroid era, to home-run production in the pre-steroid era, 1993 and earlier (Nathan 36). During 1994-2003, homeruns levels were the highest ever (Perry 1). Reviewing statistics from both periods, Tobin’s analysis indicated that home-run production increased 50% during the steroid era (Nathan 36). Next, Tobin investigated if the home-run production increase could be attributed to the use of steroids. Taking steroids increases muscle mass. With increased muscle, the player can apply more energy to the batted ball. The research indicated that the “work done by the batter in applying a force to the bat over a fixed distance is converted to kinetic energy of the bat” (Nathan 36). Tobin concluded that an increase in muscle mass results in higher bat speed, and therefore higher batted-ball speed (Nathan 37). More specifically, Tobin’s research concluded that a ten percent increase in muscle mass resulted in at least a three percent increase in batted-ball speed (Nathan 37). Alan Nathan repeated Tobin’s research and came to the same conclusion (Nathan 37).
The increase in bat speed is only one factor in the increase of home-run production. Using an aerodynamic simulated model of fly balls, Tobin estimated the increased number of home-runs produced by players using performance enhancing drugs. Using the three percent batted-ball speed, fly-balls that were homeruns increased 30-70% (Nathan 37). Specifically, research indicated that “with each additional mph batted-ball speed increases the fly-ball distance by 5.5 feet, along with the mean increase of 3 mph in batted-ball speed, and one arrives at a 66 percent increase in home-run probability” (Nathan 37). Consequently, research does indicate that the use of steroids does increase a player’s performance.
Despite the allure of enhanced performance through the use of steroids by players, which seemingly drives the prevalent use of steroids in major league baseball, steroid use is illegal. A law enacted in 1990 requires a prescription and medical supervision to use steroids; otherwise, the use of steroids is illegal (Steroids: Pumped Up 89). According to baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, major league baseball has always campaigned against the use of banned substances such as steroids and performance enhancing drugs (2). However, in light of negative press, speculations, and congressional hearings regarding the allegations of widespread use of steroids in major league baseball, Commissioner Selig decided to tackle the steroid problem directly in 2002 (Selig 2). In that year, the Major League Baseball Players Association and Major League Baseball developed a new agreement. This policy allowed player testing in 2003 which established a baseline for measuring the extent of drug use in the league. The results of the 2003 tests indicated that five to seven percent of the players used steroids (Selig 2).
After discovering that an actual steroid problem existed and the enactment of the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004, Commissioner Selig again negotiated with the players union to enact stronger anti-steroid policies. In 2005, the league strengthened its rules and testing procedures against steroid use (Selig 2). Commissioner Selig indicated that his aim was zero tolerance in major league baseball (3). The five to seven percent usage rate was not acceptable. The 2005 policy added additional items to the banned lists which were steroid precursors, ephedra, human growth hormones, diuretics, and masking agents (Selig 3).
Another aspect of the 2005 policy included increased drug testing of players. Players may be tested randomly anytime and multiple times during the year. In addition, off-season and out-of-competition testing were included in the policy. To enhance the integrity of the drug testing, the league assigned testing to an independent agency. The World Anti-Doping Agency, certified lab, in Montreal, Canada, was assigned to conduct drug testing (Selig 3).
To ensure that the 2005 policy would be enforced, penalties were included. The penalties were tiered based on the number of offenses. For the first offense, a player would be suspended for ten games without pay costing the average player $14,000.00 per game, and publicly identified as a substance abuser. For second and succeeding offenses, the penalty was 30 days, 60 days, and one year respectfully (Selig 3).
Not only is the use of steroids illegal, the body is seriously affected by steroids. Research does indicate that side effects exist, and these side effects include both physical and mental problems. Although some of the side effects disappear when steroid use stops, other effects are irreversible and may lead to death (Steroids: Pumped Up 57). A Wall Street Journal article reported, ““Doctors are unanimous that [anabolic steroids] increase the risk of heart disease, and of liver, kidney, prostate, and testicular cancer”” (Perry 2). Although doctors believe that steroid use has serious side effects, few formal studies exist on the long-term effects of steroid use. Most of the available information comes from a few case studies and animal research (Steroids: Pumped Up 56).
Although the available research on the effects of steroid use is limited, research does indicate that steroids affect the male physical body negatively. Since steroids are artificially produce hormones, the natural hormone system (endocrine) is interrupted. For example, steroids decrease sperm production. The decrease in sperm production may lead to infertility. Shrinking of testicles is another hormonal side effect. Both side effects, sperm production and shrinking of testicles, are reversible when steroid use stops. Other hormonal side effects are male-pattern baldness and breast development. However, male-pattern baldness and breast development (gynecomastia) side effects are irreversible (Steroids: Pumped Up 57).
Reportedly, major league baseball has attempted to make players aware of the dangers of steroid usage. In 2001, the league distributed literature to players highlighting the negative side effects of taking steroids. The brochure indicated that “your [xxxx] [testicles] might shrink and your breast may grow” (Thompson et al 36). Roger Clemens is an example of a player illustrating the negative hormonal side effects of steroid usage. In the book, American Icon, the authors indicated that due to steroid use Roger Clemens developed gynecomastia or “man boobs” as they are called in baseball (Thompson et al 36). Reportedly, Clemens never showered or changed clothes around other players (Thompson et al 36).
Along with affecting the hormonal (endocrine) system, the cardiovascular system is affected as well. High blood pressure, strokes, and heart attacks results from steroid use (Steroids: Pumped Up 59). Apparently, steroid use affects cholesterol (lipoproteins) levels in the blood. The level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) increases in the blood while the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) decreases. The changes in lipoprotein levels cause plaque to form. The formation of plague reduces or cuts off the blood supply to the brain or heart resulting in a stroke or heart attack respectfully (Steroids: Pumped Up 59-60). Both problems could be deadly.
Another negative physical effect of steroid use is liver problems. Among all the side effects, the effects on the liver are the most serious (Steroids: Pumped Up 60). Steroid use causes tumors to form in the liver. These tumors are often cancerous. In addition to tumors, blood-filled cysts may form, a condition known as peliosis hepatis. With either tumors or cysts, the dangerous problem is rupture. Rupturing causes internal bleeding, and the individual may bleed to death (Steroids: Pumped Up 60).
Negative physical side effects are not the only problems associated with steroid use. Severe psychological problems result also from steroid use. Aggression or enraged behavior has been reported as a result of using steroids in animals and humans (Perry 2). For instance, after steroids were given to animals, studies indicated an increased in aggression. Also, in humans, two out of three case studies indicated a positive relationship between steroid use and aggression. These case studies reported aggressive behaviors ranging from physical fighting to armed robbery (Steroids: Pumped Up 65). However, researchers admitted that data is limited on the impact that steroids have on behavior and recommended additional research in this area (Steroids: Pumped Up 66).
However, aggressive or enraged behavior has been illustrated in major league baseball. Barry Bonds’ behavior is used as an example. Barry Bonds behavior in 2002 is associated with steroid abuse. Apparently, dug out fights, initiated by Bonds with teammates, were regular occurrences for the Giants. Also, Bonds had an unapproachable personality which made it difficult for his teammates to work well with him (Perry 2). A second serious psychological problem is addiction. Yesalis indicated, as reported by Perry, that 25% to 50% of the players who used steroids became dependent on the substance (3). However, contrary to the percentage that Yesalis reported, he claimed to have personal knowledge of only three players who were dependent (Perry 3). Seemingly, steroid use often leads to codependence on other drugs. Heroin or other opioids reportedly are used to offset the side effects of steroids. According to NIDA , in a study of heroin users, 9.3% of the participants started using the drugs to offset the side effects of steroids (Steroids: Pumped Up 67). Again, researchers reported that additional research is needed in this area (Steroids: Pumped Up 66).
As well as affecting a player’s body negatively, steroid use has negatively impacted players’ careers and reputation. Concerned that major league baseball was not doing enough to police itself regarding steroid use and that baseball was sending the wrong message to America’s youth, Congress launched an investigation. On December 13, 2007, the Mitchell Report was released (Thompson et al 183). The Mitchell Report brought the extent of the steroid problem to the forefront. Conducted by Senator George J. Mitchell, from the state of Maine, the report was an independent investigation into the use of steroids in major league baseball. Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig financed the investigation (Thompson et al 184). The investigation was extensive in that 700 witnesses were interviewed and 115,000 pages of documents reviewed. The most damaging information the report contained was the names of 89 players who allegedly had used steroids. Players on the list were labeled “drug cheats” (Thompson et al 185). Andy Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch were top players named along with trainer Brian McNamee, who allegedly injected the two players with steroids and named others, specifically, Roger Clemens (United States 3).
Therefore, most of the attention regarding the listed players went to Roger Clemens. Roger Clemens was baseball prime player, star, at the time (Thompson et al 185). The book, American Icon, reported that of all players listed in the Mitchell Report, Roger Clemens had the most to lose (187). Immediately after the release of the Mitchell Report, Clemens released a statement denying the allegations and challenged the accuracy of the report. A congressional hearing was conducted on February 13, 2008 regarding Clemens’ challenge (United States 2). Both Clemens and Brian McNamee, Clemens past trainer and accuser, testified (United States 3). Ultimately, the Mitchell Report and the congressional hearing took a toll on Clemens career and reputation. In only ten weeks, Roger Clemens felled from grace (Thompson et al 426). Due to the publicity surrounding the scandal, Clemens subsequently has remained secluded (Thompson et al 428).
In addition to Clemens’ damaged career, job opportunities disappeared for other individuals who were linked to the steroid scandal. Particularly, “the whistle blower”, Brian McNamee, is no longer a trainer. McNamee was one of the main sources for the Mitchell Report (United States 3). Allegedly, when Brian McNamee became Roger Clemens’ trainer, June 1998, he began injecting Clemens with steroids (Thompson et al 11-12). Being one of the main sources for the Mitchell Report and the person who identified Roger Clemens as a steroid user, McNamee testified at the congressional hearing that investigated Clemens claim of inaccuracy of the Mitchell Report. In his testimony, McNamee declared that “my livelihood is in ruins, and it is painful beyond words to know that my name will be forever linked with a scandal in the sport I love (United States 79). Currently, McNamee is rebuilding his life and his reputation working wherever he can find a job (Thompson et al 426).
Players’ reputations were damaged also from the steroid scandal. Clemens and McNamee careers and reputations were ruined. Along with these players, other players were damaged as well. The Players Union President, Don Fehr, responded to the Mitchell Report by stating in a news conference that the named players’ reputations were damaged ““probably forever”” (Thompson et al 186). For example, one player whose reputation was harmed by the steroid scandal was Barry Bonds. Bonds has never admitted to knowingly taking steroids (Bandow 1). However, Bonds was indicted and trialed for perjury and obstruction of justice regarding his testimony and sword statements in the BALCO investigation. The U.S. Attorney Office spent an extreme amount of time, money, and effort to publicly humiliate Bonds (Thompson et al 425).
Additionally, the validity of players’ records has been questioned. Senator Jim Bunning, Kentucky, a Hall of Fame pitcher, during a congressional hearing argued vehemently that all records of players who used steroids should be deleted. He stated further, ““…Take them [records] away. They don’t deserve them”” (Sheinin 3). Apparently, sportswriters felt the same way as Senator Bunning. The ultimate penalty for an athlete, other than death, for being linked to the steroid scandal has been paid by Mark McGwire. His link to steroids has prevented McGwire from receiving enough votes to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame. Also, the validity of his record has been questioned (Editorial: McGwire). In 1998, McGwire and Sammy Sosa competed to break Roger Maris homerun record. McGwire succeeded (Editorial: McGwire).
Due to the steroid scandal, the integrity of major league baseball has been questioned. According to the book, American Icon, the use of steroids does not bother the public as much as the dishonesty and the cheating of the players and the league (427). Players who use steroids break the rules to gain an advantage (Bandow 1). This unfair advantage is commonly viewed as cheating. Even President George Bush expressed his outrage regarding cheating in baseball. President Bush stated in the 2004 State of the Union Address that the use of steroids “sends the wrong message that there are shortcuts to accomplishment and that performance is more important than character” (McDonell 1). Actually, the real tragedy of steroid use is that the public fantasy with baseball has been broken. The American people idolized baseball and viewed professional players as gods. Now the public has been disillusioned (Bandow 1). The problem as summarized by Terry McDonnell of Sports Illustrated is that “sports is about playing fair” (1). However, Charlie Francis, Ben Johnson’s aid, contended that steroid use is so widespread in sports that a player must take drugs to keep up with other players (Bandow 1). Although widespread steroid usage may be the case in sports, but the fairness, integrity, of the game is jeopardized when a player uses steroids (Bandow 2). The topic of sports and drugs are so intertwined that Sports Illustrated created an investigative team to report on the issue in 2008 (McDonnell 1 2).
Consequently, America’s favorite pastime has been affected negatively by the belief that steroid use has been prevalent in major league baseball. The use of steroids in major league baseball raised so much attention that Congress became involved, and President Bush addressed the topic. Therefore, players and major league baseball have both been damaged by the scandal. Steroids are a banned substance in baseball, and the league has made strides to set policies to penalize players who use steroids. Penalties invoked included game suspensions and loss of income. However, the allure of enhanced performance has drawn players to use these banned substances despite penalties and side effects. The side effects range from baldness to death. In addition, players have subjected themselves to public shame, ruined careers, and questioned records resulting from their link to the steroid scandal. Star players who were perceived to be the “greatest” now live in shame. Not only has players’ integrity been questioned, but the integrity of the entire game of baseball has been questioned. The American public has questioned the fairness of the game if some of the players have an advantage. Dishonesty and cheating do not coincide with the idea of fairness in sports, especially in baseball, America’s favorite sport. Nonetheless, regardless of the negative impact steroids have had on players and the game, players continue to use steroids. Works Cited
Bandow, Doug. "Congress Should not Regulate Steroids." At Issue: Steroids. Ed. Laura K. Egendorf. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, (2006). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Web. 25 Jan. 2010.
"Editorial: McGwire Strikes Out: The Baseball Hall of Fame Confronts the Steroid Era." Akron Beacon Journal [OHIO] 12 Jan. 2007: 79. Newspaper Sources. EBSCO. Web. 25 Jan. 2010.
McDonell, Terry. "Time to Get Real." Sports Illustrated 17 Mar 2008: 12. General OneFile. Web. 25 Jan. 2010.
Nathan, Alan M. “The Possible Effect of Steroids on Home-Run Production”. The Baseball Research Journal (2009): 36+. General One File. Web. 25 Jan. 2010.
Perry, Dayn. "Steroid use does not Account for the Increase in Home Runs Hit by Professional Baseball Players.” At Issue: Steroids. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, (2006). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Web. 25 Jan. 2010.
Selig, Bud. "Major League Baseball's Steroid Policy is Effective." At Issue: Steroids. Ed. Laura K. Egendorf. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, (2006). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Web. 25 Jan. 2010.
Sheinin, Dave. "Preface to Steroids in Sports." Contemporary Issues Companion: Steroids. Ed. Stefan Kiesby. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, (2008). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Web. 25 Jan. 2010.
Steroids: Pumped Up & Dangerous (2008): Book Collection: Nonfiction. EBSCO. Web. 13 Feb. 2010.
Thompson, Teri, and et al. American Icon: The Fall of Roger Clemens and the Rise of Steroids in America's Pastime. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2009. Print.
United States Congress House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The Mitchell Report: The Illegal use of Steroids in Major League Baseball, Day 2: Hearing Before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Second Session, February 13, 2008. Congressional Hearing. Washington: U. S. GPO, 2008. Print.