Former Senator George Mitchell released his report last week on performance enhancing drug use in Major League Baseball. In doing so, Sen. Mitchell released the names of nearly 90 current and former ballplayers who were suspected of using either steroids or other prohibited drugs. The report included big names such as Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemens, and Miguel Tejada.
The first question that comes to mind regarding the alleged steroid use is, if these players did indeed use steroids while playing, then do they deserve a place in MLB record books and the Baseball Hall Of Fame? I think that players who definately took steroids should not be placed on the same level with the great players of the past who did not take steroids. When Baseball Hall of Fame voters are asked to vote, they are asked to consider the “Integrity, Sportsmanship and Character” of the nominee. Taking that into mind, why would we disrespect class acts such as Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Mickey Mantle by rewarding players who completely cheated? That is unethical, and it doesn’t make sense.
On the other hand, Sen. Mitchell’s report carries a lot of weight on dozens of individual reputations. Some of these allegations are also very thinly based. Don’t get me wrong, I truly believe that some players, such as Barry Bonds, definately cheated the game and took steroids. Those players deserve punishment, but some other players named in the report don’t. Orioles 2nd Baseman Brian Roberts and New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettite both openly admitted using Human Growth Hormone while recovering from injury. While I don’t believe their actions were right, they shouldn’t be stripped of their chances of obtaining historical recognition. We don’t want to turn Major League Baseball into a witch hunt, and hurt the game further than it already has been.
I only hope that this steroid crisis is over. It would be nice to enjoy America’s pastime without constant cynicism and questioning. Hopefully, Sen. Mitchell’s report is a step toward making baseball pure again.
