The Steroid Era
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Transcript of The Steroid Era
The Steroid Era
By: Lucas QualmanHow did the steroid era affect baseball’s regulations, its popularity, and US legislation?
What are Steroids?
• Controlled substance as of 1990
• Used to better athletic ability
• Multiple side effects
• Type of performance-enhancing drug (PED) along with human growth hormone (HGH)
Beginning of an Era
• Jose Canseco was first known user
• All illegal drugs banned by MLB in 1991
• Testing began in 2001
• Positive test only meant treatment
The BALCO Scandal
• Involved athletes from many sports
• Led to stricter regulations in baseball
Early 2005 Steroid Rules:1st positive test – 15 game suspension2nd positive test – 30 game suspension3rd positive test – 60 game suspension4th positive test – 1 year suspension5th positive test – commissioner’s discretion
“Three strikes and you’re out”
• Bud Selig changes rules again in 2005– 10 players have been caught under these rules
Current Steroid Rules:1st positive test – 50 game suspension2nd positive test – 100 game suspension3rd positive test – lifetime ban
Mitchell Report
• Compiled by former Senator George Mitchell
• 20 month investigation
• Found “a serious drug culture within baseball”
• 86 players named– 7 MVPs and 31 All-stars
• No suspension handed out
Popularity in 2004
• Attendance up 14.4% in first 3 weeks
• Average attendance 29,718 in 2004
• Rays jump from last in attendance to eighth
• Fans have negative opinion of steroids
• Record crowds
Record Breaking Performances
• 1 home run per 91 at bats in Babe Ruth’s time
• 1 home run per 30 at bats in 1999
• Mark McGwire battles Sammy Sosa for most home runs in a single season in 1998 & 1999
• Barry Bonds sets most career home runs record in 2007
Memorabilia Sales
• Roger Maris game jersey from $100,000 to $350,000
• Sosa rookie card from $120 to $15
• McGwire rookie card from $250 to $30
• Investors avoid current players
Player Opinion in 2005
• 79% believe steroids played a role in record-breaking performances
• 80.2% think less than half of players use PEDs
• 35% think steroid users should be stripped of records or have them denoted with an asterisk
• 69% feel punishments for being caught are severe enough
New Legislation
• Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004– Amended the Controlled Substance Act
– Broader definition of steroids
• John McCain introduces the Clean Sports Act of 2005– 2 year ban for first positive test
– Did not pass
From the Field to the Courtroom
• Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds both indicted– Both for lying to congress
• McGwire, Sosa, Canseco testify at congressional hearing on steroids
What was the Effect on Baseball?
• Creation of new rules
• Popularity increased while credibility decreased
• New legislation and player prosecution