PED's/the HOF/etc

this article was referenced on another board... brilliantly written and insightfull.

http://www.actapublications.com/images/small/PressReleases/Cooperstownandthe'Roids_F2.pdf

 

I greatly respect Bill James and his analytical mind, but he is referring "down the line" and he may be right. But the current crop of players--McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, ARod, Ramirez, etc...will not have a chance until they reach the old timers selections.

While I'm not as harsh as others about "cheating the game" pointed at these players, I understand that there has always been PED's in the game. From cocaine to greenies to steroids---it's been part of sports' culture.

Prednizone, while not used as a PED, is an All- Everything steroid prescribed to all. Although there are many benefits to using this drug, it certainly comes with strong side effects---one of which is super strength. I understand where Bill James is coming from and I happen to believe there is a lot of truth to what he says; but it will be years before the acceptance of steroid usage by players. So the current crop will be judged by today's public morals.

 

very true Braves... my question is how do you judge a player like Gaylord Perry who admitted to cheating by throwing a spitter for many years.. is it different? If so how?

I also mention George Sisler who held the single season hit record for years and years until broken by Ichiro. He puts nails in his bat. Was it illegal at the time? Did he gain and advantage from it and if he did should that record have had an asterisk?

Its common to throw these guys under the bus... but the money involved... human nature being what it is makes the whole thing less clear. MLB should have done a better job of policing itself... and the fault lies there. If it had we wouldnt be where we are IMHO.

 

Agreed...

I actually agreed, albeit unfortunately, with alot of his article and believe that one day we'll look back and say in typical American fashion...yeah, well, whatever. But it was insightful and makes you think outside the box.

First, I disagree that the era is actually over, no more than you can convince me that the NFL, although they have had an "agreement" for years is clean. I think it's just in a cooling off period. In a year or two when the next undetectable PED comes along, balls will be flying out of the park again.

Second, comparing the desensitization of steroid use to sex on television, isn't this just a microcosm (again unfortunately) of out entire society as a whole? I mean at the rate this world is moving, I honestly don't think we'll have to worry about voting in Bonds in 2040/2050.

Thirdly, concerning the Dick Allen argument, I don't think history is forgiving at all.
Signed,
Pete Rose

 

you mention balls flying out of the park.. the owners know that more money is to be made when runs are scored.. let's not forget how easy it is to look the other way...

 

IMO



I believe that by the year 2040 people will have forgotten about things that happened in the White House, uh, I mean in baseball.

 

The 3 Faces of Pete!



I'm a longtime Cincinnati Reds fan & I wish that baseball player Pete Rose would be inducted into the Hall of Fame!

Now, I also think that manager Pete Rose & gambler Pete Rose should not be inducted into the hall!

Unfortunately, they are all the same person!

I'm not sure that MLB will ever forgive him in the future!

 

You're right............ they never will.