Check out this incredibly informative article about what it was like for sportswriter and active cyclist, Stuart Stevens to go on a cycle of performance enhancing drugs . . . everything from HGH to EPO. http://outside.away.com/outside/bodywork/200311/200311_drug_test_1.html
McGwire was a big home run hitter his entire career, he hit 49 when he was 23. He did not "grow" into the long ball. Evidence in his favor. The issue that bothers people here is cheating. But I care more the repercussions of dangerous drug use among youth who admire these players. Further, the faustian deals athletes make is sickening. In the case of steroids,you only have to look at Lyle Alzado. He lived his dream, but died 3 years in retirement from the effects of steroid abuse - brain cancer. How about the aspiring tennis star who is sent to Nick BOlleteri's academy at age 9 to live and become a tennis pro. After all, you can only have 10 people from around the world in the top 10 and number 44 doesn't make a great living and is not famous. Crazy odds no? ART, now that Ahnold is governor, do you think that a lot of Young Republicans will start taking steroids?
Anyone care to wager that the newly juice-less and frighteningly svelte Jason Giambi will hit less homers this year than Andy Pettite?
Taking steroids doesn't immediately turn you into Hercules. You still need to put hours in the gym to get stronger. Taking steroids certainly doesn't help you put a bat on the ball. Are steroids bad for sports? Of course! Is Barry Bonds a great athlete? Of course!
Taking steroids keeps you on the field freer from injuries, this is an undisputed fact. If you go to a doctor with muscle injury, the doctor often prescribes steroids to enhance the recovery process. Remember when Big Mac quit taking andro? He started to have injuries. He was nearly injury free during his run to 70 when he was taking andro. Taking a drug that helps you heal from injuries, helps you get more at bats, is an unfair advantage. He quit baseball very abruptly when he could have easily continued for many years....but he knew his body would break down without the juice. Is Barry a great athlete who is using performance enhancing druges? Yes. Is Barry a cheater? Yes.
Mac had a lot of injuries before he hit 70. In 1993 he played 27 games, and in 1994 47, much fewer than the strike shortened season offered.