Post by Jimbo Collins on Jun 25, 2010 13:55:19 GMT -5
Steroid use in sports can be a deep and painful topic. There have been so many big names that have been associated with this, but I am going to touch on a couple that really have changed the course of they way I feel about them and the sport they played.
Barry Bonds used to be one of the best players in baseball. In fact, I used to categorize him as one of - if not the - best players of all time. The man has disgraced every thing he ever did in the game as well as his character, because now he is known for being a liar.
There are those, including Bonds, that try to make the pathetic argument that steroids can't make a guy hit a 90-mph-fastball. To this I agree, but I must say that it can make a guy hit a 90-mph-fastball further. How about the idea that a 250 foot routine fly-ball becomes a 370 foot mammoth homerun with the aid of the juice?
How about a guy stealing a base who is obviously faster because of the performance enhancing drugs coursing through his body?
Roger Clemens was another. I was such a fan of the Rocket! He was such an ambassador of the sport. He was a picture of integrity, in my own opinion. He fought to win. He had desire and determination. Then he crushed the feelings of so many fans when he was caught cheating and then he lies and lies and lies and lies about it.
Two of the best baseball players that I have ever seen in my lifetime will forever be remembered as nothing but lying cheaters. This has really hurt my faith in baseball. Admittedly I am a Chicago Cubs fan and I do not have much to cheer about on an annual basis, but I used to follow individual players such as Bonds and Clemens.
Recently, Ken Griffey Jr. retired from baseball. He had a long career but it was riddled by injuries throughout. I think he had the sweetest swing I have ever seen and he played defense like very few can. He was graceful and a media darling. He was everything baseball should be and I am going to miss him. If not for the injuries, I think Jr. may very well have been the best player that ever lived. I am almost certain he would have destroyed the homerun record and he would have done it honest!
Steroids have changed the game of baseball forever and that is an unavoidable fact.
Barry Bonds used to be one of the best players in baseball. In fact, I used to categorize him as one of - if not the - best players of all time. The man has disgraced every thing he ever did in the game as well as his character, because now he is known for being a liar.
There are those, including Bonds, that try to make the pathetic argument that steroids can't make a guy hit a 90-mph-fastball. To this I agree, but I must say that it can make a guy hit a 90-mph-fastball further. How about the idea that a 250 foot routine fly-ball becomes a 370 foot mammoth homerun with the aid of the juice?
How about a guy stealing a base who is obviously faster because of the performance enhancing drugs coursing through his body?
Roger Clemens was another. I was such a fan of the Rocket! He was such an ambassador of the sport. He was a picture of integrity, in my own opinion. He fought to win. He had desire and determination. Then he crushed the feelings of so many fans when he was caught cheating and then he lies and lies and lies and lies about it.
Two of the best baseball players that I have ever seen in my lifetime will forever be remembered as nothing but lying cheaters. This has really hurt my faith in baseball. Admittedly I am a Chicago Cubs fan and I do not have much to cheer about on an annual basis, but I used to follow individual players such as Bonds and Clemens.
Recently, Ken Griffey Jr. retired from baseball. He had a long career but it was riddled by injuries throughout. I think he had the sweetest swing I have ever seen and he played defense like very few can. He was graceful and a media darling. He was everything baseball should be and I am going to miss him. If not for the injuries, I think Jr. may very well have been the best player that ever lived. I am almost certain he would have destroyed the homerun record and he would have done it honest!
Steroids have changed the game of baseball forever and that is an unavoidable fact.
