Anabolic Steroids in Major League Baseball

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Major League Baseball’s (MLB) commissioners are debating about the anabolic steroids situation that is occurring in professional baseball today. To many professionals are getting accused of using the harmful drug. Professional baseball players are getting tested twice a year for anabolic substances throughout the course of the regular season. In order to stop steroids in MLB, commissioners should pass random drug testing. Tony Larussa stated, “By having random drug tests, it would make the game of baseball true once again.” Steroids are ruining the game of baseball, and the commissioners need to decide on something soon. By having random drug tests in Major League Baseball throughout the season, it would fix the problems that baseball is having today.

Anabolic steroids are man made substances related to male sex hormones (Reilly). “Anabolic” refers to muscle building; pro baseball players use anabolic steroids to enhance muscle mass and speed. Steroids can be taken orally or they can be injected into the body. Most major league players combine several different types of steroids to maximize the effect of the drug; this procedure is called “stacking”. Stacking was first heard about in the 1996 season when Ken Caminiti admitted that he used steroids, and that he “stacked” (MVP in1996…). Most people think that steroids are not that harmful to the body, but the side effects are long term. Steroids cause terrible acne to the face and back. If the abuser scratches his or her body, scars are most likely to appear. Steroids also cause liver damage, jaundice, high blood pressure, trembling, heart arrhythmia and can even lead to body temperature problems. Behavioral problems can also occur when taking steroids, such as excessive anger, f...

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...egitimate reason. Random drug tests would fix all the drug problems Major League Baseball is having with their athletes. Random drug tests would not only make the game honest again but it would save athletes lives in the long run.

Works Cited

Haley, James, ed. Performance Emhancing Drugs. Farmington Hills: Green Haven Press, 2003.

"MVP in 1996 says taking steroids wasn't a mistake." 31 May. 2002. ESPN Baseball. ESPN. 18 Nov. 2004 .

“New law bans sale of anabolic steroids." Americam Medical Association Journal (2004). 18 Nov 2004

Reilly, Rick. "Steroid talk has been all the ‘rage’ in baseball recently." 8 Jul. 2002. Sports llustrated. 18 Nov. 2004 .

"Steroids: Side Effects." 11 Oct. 2002. Superior Muscle. 18 Nov. 2004 .

Williams, Lance. "Bonds used steroids in 2003, trainer says on secret recording ." San Fancisco Chronical 16 Oct 2004. 18 Nov 2004

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