Steroids in Baseball By: Max Harper 6th hr.

“We have to make some radical move to get the attention of everyone “We have to make some radical move to get the attention of everyone. Cheaters cant win and steroids has put us in the position that it’s OK to cheat.” – Lou Brock. http://www.i70baseball.com/wp-content/uploads/lou-brock1.jpg

Players like Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa have allegedly used steroids The MLB made a radical move in 2003 when they started testing players for steroids Players like Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa have allegedly used steroids http://mlbsluggers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Sammy-Sosa-Chicago-Cubs.jpg http://sportschump.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/mark-mcgwire1.jpg

Thesis Statement Many major league baseball players use and have used steroids in order to gain an unfair advantage over their opponents; the MLB is doing everything it can to stop the use of steroids in baseball.

Background

Background Steroids became an issue in the MLB in the 1990’s Homerun and power numbers increased substantially Everyone that had success in that era is suspected to be a steroid user http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_85mBB1U2hh4/S7VgXWEm4II/AAAAAAAAAA4/NTLx1wbYgTE/s1600/steroid-baseball.jpg

Background MLB implemented drug testing in 2003 Players continued to use steroids MLB started random drug testing to deter steroid abuse in January, 2013

Causes

Causes Steroids make players muscles stronger Therefore they will be able to perform better on the field

Causes Players want to gain an edge on their opponents The players who don’t use steroids want a program to bust cheaters Michael Weiner, executive director of the MLB Players Association stated “Players want a program that is tough, scientifically accurate, backed by the latest proven scientific methods, and fair…” (MLB expands Drug-testing Program, Will implement In-season HGH Testing)

Causes The ultimate goal for an MLB player is to make it into the Hall of Fame Steroids give the player a better chance of making it The MLB is doing a good job of making sure players with ties to steroids aren't getting voted in In the 2013 Hall of Fame voting no players were voted in Just the 8th time in history (Baseball Hall of Fame 2013 vote: No candidate elected by BBWAA) Many of the players on the ballot were suspected steroid users

Effects

Effects When players use steroids they hit more homeruns Homeruns make the game more exciting Fans like to see homeruns being hit Fans will pay more money to see the players hit homeruns http://chasing800.com/yankees/2157

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=9984

FOX MLB SATURDAY REGULAR-SEASON TREND YEAR RATING VIEWERS (000) '12 1.7 2,500 '11 1.8 2,744 '10 2,700 '09 '08 2.0 2,900 '07 2.3 3,312 '06 2.4 3,348 '05 2.6 3,606 '04 2.7 3,727 '03 3,600 '02 2.5 3,445 '01 3,377  

Solving the Problem Random Drug testing throughout the year 50 game suspension for 1st time getting caught 100 game suspension for the 2nd time The MLB has suspended 31 players for the use of steroids since 2003 The MLB is continuing to make advances in drug testing

Solving the Problem Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program includes… Oversight and Administration of drug testing Prohibited substances list Testing Evaluation and treatment for drugs of abuse Confidentiality of player information Disclosure of player Information Discipline

Conclusion As long as baseball exists, players will continue to try to gain an unfair advantage on their opponents by using steroids; the MLB must continue to do everything in its power to stop those cheating.

Conclusion Drug testing has been instrumental in lowering homeruns

Where can we go from here? The MLB can continue to make advances in drug testing technology Continue to punish players for using steroids Suspensions Smaller contracts Continue to prevent steroid users from being inducted into the Hall of Fame