Steroids In Baseball

The suspected use of steroids in baseball were a major factor in the decline in baseball interest. Not only were the drugs potentially harmful to players, they made records that were set suspect as resulting from drug use rather than ability.

The subject of steroids and baseball came to a head when McGwire and Sosa were asked to testify before a Congressional committee in 2005. Baseball great Barry Bonds was also suspected of using steroids and the suspicions have cast doubt on the honesty of his record home runs.

Baseball steroids have been used by athletes for years. In 1954 steroids were given to weightlifters on the Soviet and USA teams. In 1967 the International Olympic Committee bans the use of steroids. In 1991, the baseball commissioner attempts tries to prevent a pitcher (Howe) from playing due to steroid use. In 2005 McGwire, Sosa and Bonds are accused of steroid use.

The effects of steroids in baseball have been two-fold. First, baseball attendance significantly dropped beginning in the 1990s for many reasons and the use of steroids is one of them. Discovering the use of steroids in Major League baseball upset the fans and forever cast a shadow on record breaking feats. Second, steroids can be dangerous to players and made people wonder why how baseball players could fall so low as to resort to drugs.

Steroid use in professional baseball was a huge shock for many supporters. Baseball has always been considered the all-American sport and fans took it hard when the image was marred by drug use. So what is a steroid?

When you read an article on steroid use in baseball, you discover that players used anabolic steroids. The steroids are synthetic testosterone, and when taken, build muscle mass and increase endurance. No one knows for sure how extensive steroid usage in baseball has been, but the leagues test more frequently now to minimize usage.

Some fans believe that steroid use in baseball, and in other sports, is on the increase. Some players attempt to use the drug legally by finding doctors that will prescribe their use for invalid reasons. Baseball and steroids will be unfortunately linked in history from this point forward due to the scandals over the last 15 years.

Many claim steroids are ruining baseball and believe the game will never be viewed the same way. Regularly, baseball steroid news announces another player is place under suspicion for drug use. When a player uses a steroid in baseball his reputation is forever marred.

With the new MLB rules requiring more frequent testing, it is hoped that Major League baseball and steroids will no longer be an issue. It is also hoped that future players will not use steroids. Baseball is still a great sport and can bounce back from these problems, just like it has bounced back many times over the decades.