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