1. Steroids in Baseball
By: Max Harper 6th hr.

2. “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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Background

6. 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

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

8. Causes

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

10. 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)

11. 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

12. Effects

13. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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.

19. Conclusion
Drug testing has been instrumental in lowering homeruns

20. 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