Chemically Induced Failures, By Roger Behra

SHORT COMMUNICATION 256

Chemically Induced Failures

By

Roger Behra

Sports in America, especially professional sports, are king for two important reasons: big business and television viewing. Three professional sports top the list. They are the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), and the National Basketball Association (NBA). For the most part everything runs very smoothly, and the fans are quite satisfied. However, around 1995 very quietly a major scandal began to take shape that became widespread, lasted over ten years, and, when officially verified, has changed the statistical and career history of MLB forever. The scandal is called: STEROIDS.

Most MLB player were not involved in the taking of performance enhancing drugs, but enough players were to bring disrepute to themselves and disgrace to the game of baseball. Several famous players got consistently involved around 1997, and their careers became a joy from the fan’s perspective who thought it was talent. They were not aware it was the result of unsanctioned enhancement. Gradually the black cloud of reality appeared over the coveted realm of careers and baseball statistics. In 2010 it became noticeable. Batting averages, homerun totals pitcher’s won-loss records, and overall performances were certainly inferior, and that verified the suspicions that existed and damaged the sport of MLB.

The dream of MLB player is to have an outstanding baseball career and eventually become a HALL of FAME member. And that is predicated on the total performance record of his career. Now, the records achieved from 1997 to 2008 are for the most part going to be not recognized. And that is a shame, because some of the famous players involved would have been electable.

The use of steroids in MLB comes under the heading of cheating. Those who have been established as cheaters or are being strongly suspected as cheaters will never be elected to the HALL of FAME. Many of those who cast ballots have a list of names and have already said they will not vote for them. Mark McGuire, Rafael Palmero, Sammy Sosa, Jose Canseco, Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, and Barry Bonds are on their list, and that is only the start.

It is widely suspected that the team owners, managers, and coaches knew players were cheating with steroids. But everyone ignored what was going on because everyone was benefiting from the cheating. Owners were raking in extra millions of dollar. Game sellouts were set. Won-loss records were set. Trips to the playoffs and the World Series had many fans reveling in jubilation.

Now the sadness has firmly set in. Fans have turned their backs on MLB. Young fans were in tears after learning their baseball idols cheated. Owner’s bottom lines have suffered. Baseball’s statistics and records are very questionable. MLB has two black eyes. And many players have forfeited their cherished dream: the coveted entry into the HALL of FAME. That will help prove the old saying: “Genuine winners never cheat, and cheaters never win”. Baseball and the players are the losers.

R. B.