Even though there will be no shortage of
media attention on this topic, I can’t pass up the opportunity to throw
out my opinion. Today, the Mitchell Report was released, detailing the
use of steroids by Major League Baseball players in recent years.
Without a doubt, the biggest disappointment is seeing Roger Clemens’
name on the list. One of the greatest pitchers of all time is now
linked with cheating. Is it true? It certainly seems so, although
Clemens’ lawyer has already issued a statement denying the report.
Being a pitcher myself, he was never a big inspiration to me, but I
always respected him. He seemed to be cut from the same mold as Nolan
Ryan - a big, strong power pitcher from Texas who had a tremendous work
ethic to stay on top of his game. Now, it seems that image has been
tarnished, and he’ll now be known as a cheater.
The biggest surprise was not seeing two names on the list - Sammy
Sosa and Mark McGuire. The same two guys that helped start the
steroids debate ten years ago are nowhere to be found on the list. Are
they innocent? I have my doubts. Their explosion in size during their
careers, coupled with their performance would certainly lead one to
think they’d be guilty of steroid use. After all, these two factors
are the same criteria being used to say Barry Bonds is guilty of
steroids use.
Another name nowhere to be found on the list is Ken Griffey, Jr. I
was very happy to not find his name on the list. While he’s had a
tough time in Cincinnati, Junior has always been an exemplar of what it
means to be a professional athlete. He’s done everything the right
way, stayed out of trouble and has been a positive role model. There
are many other Major Leaguers who fit this mold who also deserve credit
for keeping the game of baseball fair and fun. By not taking steroids,
they’ve upheld the integrity of the game. The steroids issue is yet
another case of a few bad apples spoiling the bunch.
I’m very grateful to Major League Baseball finally taking a stance
on this and hiring Mitchell to investigate steroids use. This past
season, attendance continued to grow, and it seemed America was finally
forgetting the 1995 strike, and falling back in love with America’s
past time. By taking a stance to fight steroids use, fans should
respect MLB even more and continue filling the seats in 2008 and
beyond. It will be nice to get back to the way the game is supposed to
be played, with respect for integrity, tradition, and for every aspect
that makes us love the game of baseball in America.