Baseball’s Biggest Controversy: The Story of The Steroid Era
Disgraceful time or exciting time with so many home runs
In sports, the use of performance enhancing drugs often destroys a player career, along with their legacies.
However, that is nowhere near the case for baseball.
Some of the games most renowned legends were busted for the use of performance enhancers and steroids. But that doesn’t change the fact that millions worldwide still roam with their names on the back of jerseys.
So begins our topic for today, the enigma that is baseball’s steroid era.
The steroid era took place between 1994–2004.
Former Padre MVP third baseman Ken Caminiti said, “It’s no secret what’s going on in baseball. At least half the players are using steroids.”
Jose Canseco, a former slugger during this time, estimates this number to be as high as 85%.
But here’s where the controversy comes into play: many people frown upon this, saying that it’s a disgrace to the game and that the entirety of the baseball world should do it’s best to forget about it.
However, it’s hard to argue the entertainment value juiced-up superstars like Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa brought to the table.
Some fans think baseball actually peaked in this period, with the game being so fun to watch and records being shattered almost on a daily basis.
Barry Bonds, whom many believe to be the greatest player to ever pick up a bat, reached his peak years during these times. He broke the single-season home run record in 2001, swatting a ridiculous 73 long balls in San Francisco.
The player who he took the record from? Mark McGwire, who had hit 70 just three years before.
The 1998 season would live in infamy, as the St. Louis Cardinals’ Mark McGwire and Chicago Cubs’ Sammy Sosa would make that season perhaps the greatest we’ve ever seen.
McGwire and Sosa competed all season long for the league-lead in home runs, with their numbers being unrivaled across Major League Baseball.
In June of that year, Sammy Sosa would break the single month home run record, hitting a ridiculous 20.
With that being said, the initial goal for both players was Roger Maris’ single-season home run record, which stood at 62.
McGwire, who started the season off hot, would find Sosa hot on his tail following the former Cubs star’s ridiculous June.
McGwire would edge out Sosa, breaking Maris’ record on Sept. 8, 1998.
The Athletics star would finish with 70 homers, whereas Sosa would finish with 66.
Viewers had the great race of 98’, Barry Bonds, Manny Ramirez, and Rafael Palmeiro.
Entertainment value was off the charts.
Additionally, clean players like Ken Griffey Jr. and Derek Jeter lit up the league during this time, adding even more entertainment to this time.
However, as all things do, the steroid era eventually reached its end.
Major League Baseball started testing players in early 2003, and all substances were banned following the completion of the 2003 season.
It’s fair to say we will never see another time even remotely similar to the steroid era ever again.
Without the use of performance enhancers, baseball is simply too difficult. It’s almost impossible to envision any of today’s hitters clubbing over 70 home runs or hitting 20 home runs in a month.
But, at the end of the day, that’s what made that time period so special.
Some call it a disgrace, some call it the pinnacle.
Whatever you deem it, there’s no questioning that the steroid era will forever be etched into the pages of baseball history.
Thanks for reading my story.
