Baseball's Steroids Era, Forgive and Forget

There's been much speculation as of late regarding the use of steroids in baseball and some of the iconic players involved. Granted, it's a drawn out subject; however, I would like a little time to address some concerns of mine in light of the issue and defend some individuals rather than throw jabs and hooks.

First off, I want to clarify that I by no means condone steroids nor believe that it's not a big deal and should be looked away from. I agree that steroids are and should be prohibited and encourage stricter punishments for the accused in light of this recent 'roid rage.

However, what I do not agree with and think is truly ridiculous and unfair is the belief that these players should be stripped of not only their credentials but their reputation as well. First off, I hate the "I did it cause he did it" excuse just as much as the next person, but it was and has been labeled by baseball experts and critics as an "era." If you picked five players out of every major league baseball clubhouse, I'd be willing to bet at least three have used steroids at some point in their career. Former Sen. George Mitchell released a report of a 20-month investigation in which he found 89 major league players who admittedly used steroids. More recently a report was released in which 104 more players were discovered linked to the use of anabolic steroids. Dudes had personal trainers and club house employees dealing the stuff (Kirk Radomski, Brian McNamee).

The sad thing is, we only hear about the ones who are true icons in our society and the ones who have actually accomplished something, (hint: A-Rod, or more properly known now as A-Roid, and Barry Bonds). If I played in a league soaked in Squalenes and whatever 'dones, I'd probably get the feeling others had the upper hand too. Plus, I'm getting paid for it, so I guess it's of some importance of me to perform, right? The way I see it, we've seen some of the best pitchers of our time, like Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens, admit to using steroids, so the batters that were on the same juice just made it an even match. Problem solved.

No, I'm not quite that arrogant, yet I do approach the issue much differently than most. No steroid or drug transforms players so much to make them an entirely different force. A-Rod admitted to using steroids from 2001 to 2003. Cool. The guy's first year as a starter and full-time player (1996, his second year in the league) he belted 36 home runs, knocked in 136 RBIs and led the league in batting with a .358 average. Sorry, but he was a star long before he hit the good stuff. And while he did use steroids all the time he played for the Texas Rangers, they were hardly a threat during his time there. After the last year he used steroids he was traded to the Yankees, where he since has won two American League MVP awards and never hit fewer than 100 RBIs or 35 HRs including two years where he hit 48 and 54. Sorry once again if I'm crazy to think this guy shouldn't be a first-ballot hall of famer and all-time great of baseball. And at least he came out right away and admitted it.

Which brings me to my next subject: Barry Bonds. I have and will continue to be a Barry Bonds fan. If you're that cynical and want to take his home run record away, fine. I'll politely yet regrettably give you that. Steroids don't help you shield out all of the insurmountable press and speculation, stress and pressure, during a season of that caliber. During the so-called "tainted" season in which he broke the record, Bonds slugged .820 and walked 175 times. That might be the most impressive single season ever. Actually, the most remarkable season ever in baseball probably goes to Bonds in 2004, when he somehow managed to hit 44 home runs. That is absolutely incredible considering he got walked a Major League-record 232 times and drew 120 intentional walks (also a record). His on-base percentage (OBP) that year was an unheard of .620. That too would be an all-time record. How do you hit home runs when two out of every five at-bats you get walked intentionally? Especially an NL-leading 44 of them. Before most people even heard of Barry Bonds, he became the sixth player ever to record 300 home runs and 300 steals. Soon after that, he would become the fourth member of the 400-400 club, joining his father, Bobby Bonds, his godfather Willie Mays and Andre Dawson. Later, Barry would open up his own club, as he became and will remain for a very long time the only player in MLB history to hit 500 home runs and steal 500 bags.

In 1970, a guy by the name of Dock Ellis pitched a no hitter and later admitted he was on acid during the game. Forget the MLB; LSD is prohibited by U.S. law. How does something like that not become an issue? The moral of the story, kids: take steroids and you'll become a freak of nature who will defy all odds with the combination of eye coordination, speed, power and quickness. The rest of the accused will remain unnamed because society is only interested in stripping clean the ones who have true immaculate talent and are idols among baseball fans who have the decency to forgive someone for making a big mistake. Bonds and A-Rod are definite hall of famers with our without steroids. Case closed.