Jason Giambi seems to have brought new life to the discussion of steroids in Major League Baseball. In fact, not only has he brought back the talks, he's confirmed everything that most of us already knew -- he, and others, used steroids to boost their performance.
When Jason Giambi stepped on the field for the 2004 season, he had noticeably dropped in weight. He was asked if he had taken steroids, and repeatedly said "No." Why is it that he felt compelled to say no to the fans, but, when in front of a grand jury, he admitted to using them? This could have a lot to do with the health problems that Giambi faced this past summer. A tumor was found in his intestines after missing several weeks with an unexplained illness. I, like others, felt that it could very well be an after affect of the steroids he had taken. If this is the case, I can clearly see why Giambi would be so quick to spill the beans. A life threatening illness often changes people. Giambi is no different.
Let's go back and talk about 1998. The magical year that we witnessed two sluggers step up their home run hitting, and chase the Roger Marris 61 HR mark. Sosa and McGwire dueled it out all summer long. I had the pleasure of seeing both of them play in Detroit. Sosa hit 2 upper deck HRs (and incidentally lost the game in extra innings thanks to a Bobby Higginson homerun in the bottom of the ninth to tie it). McGwire hit four long fly outs (one with two outs in the ninth inning to give the Tigers a 4-2 win). Did I suspect anything? No. To me, it was what baseball needed to bring back fans to the game like we hadn't seen since before the 1994 labor dispute that pushed the World Series aside. I, like everyone, was caught in the moment. I guess I figured it happened in Babe Ruth’s career, it happened in Roger Marris’ career, why not in 1998 also?
So why stop in 1998? Obviously, they didn't. Sosa went on to have three 60+ HR seasons, and McGwire had two (including his 70 HR 1998 season). Three years after that magical season, Barry Bonds increased his bat speed, and hit 73 HRs. McGwire had to retire in 2002 because his body was falling apart. I've heard Bob Costas of NBC Sports say on more than one occasion that McGwire can't walk well anymore.
Steroids will do that to you. They can ruin your testosterone levels, decay your joints, and in some cases, end your life. Take a look at Ken Caminiti. Caminiti shocked the world when he told Sports Illustrated that he, and others, used steroids. This sent the media into sniff mode seeking others, making accusations, and trying to get players to agree to drug tests. Did I mention yet that earlier this year Caminiti died? Among steroids, Caminiti was into other drugs. Do I think steroids were the only cause of his death? Not a chance. His autopsy showed Cocaine as the cause of death. I just believe steroids put him on the path. Caminiti mentioned health problems before his death. He attributed them to steroids.
I spent the entire weekend digesting the news that Barry Bonds took cream from his trainer. The same trainer that gave the cream to Giambi, Sheffield, and others. I have heard many cases from different angles. The most popular seems to be that steroids can't give you better hand-eye coordination, so who cares, blah, blah, blah. I only have on thing to say about it.
Cop out!
I don't think you will ever find a baseball player that credits steroids to improving their ability to hit the ball. What you will find is a baseball player that credits the increased amount of power they hit the ball with to steroids. Barry Bonds' bat speed increased 25% over one off season. He was in his late 30s. The steroids lifted Bonds' HR count from 30-40 to 73, and a new MLB record. When asked what he was doing different, he said he didn't know. It's funny, that's the same story he gave in his testimony last week to the grand jury. He took the cream, but didn't know what it was. Hey, at least he's consistent.
Ask yourself a simple question. Should there be asterisks in the record book next to the records of people who used steroids to improve their performance? Hank Aaron was asked this question over the weekend. While he didn't say no, he did say that would be up to MLB officials. I have a better answer. Ban them from the game, strip them of their records, and treat them worse than Pete Rose.
The topic of steroids in baseball makes me very angry. When I hear of a player taking steroids, and breaking a record, it makes think that there is no point to it all.
There isn't.
We shouldn't put up with steroids. We should be angry about players using them to gain an edge. Cheaters should not be allowed to keep their records. If Roger Marris has to carry asterisks next to his record for several years, then why shouldn't Barry Bonds get the same or worse treatment? The same goes for Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, and all the rest of the players that were hoisted above everyone else. If nothing else, someone should publish a new record book that excludes the cheaters. I would bet that book would be a best seller.
I have a simple message to Bud Selig and MLB. Take action now. Take hard action. Do not hesitate to end up in front of an arbitrator fighting against the MLBPA. You have to salvage the name of Major League Baseball, and make your own past hypocrisy right. You watched the steroid machines break records, and turned your back on it while ratings soared. You cared more about people watching baseball than you did the integrity of the game. Now you must pay the price.
I first ask for Giambi and Bonds to forfeit their contracts, and retire.
Bud Selig, I ask you make this right. After it is right, do the respectable thing, and resign your position as commissioner of Major League Baseball.
-Dan Joseph
