Prior to 2002, there was no policy by Major League Baseball regarding the treatment of players who tested positive for steroids. Although there was speculation about its use for decades, it was not until suspicions heightened and allegations were made that the issue was given any significant attention. The rules set forth have become more stringent over the years; however, the implications of steroid use in MLB still are unknown.
History
After the 1998 baseball season the prevalence of steroid use became a real concern. That year Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs and Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals hit home run after home run until finally, McGwire ended the season with more homers than Sosa. McGwire hit 70 home runs, topping Roger Maris as the player with the most home runs during a baseball season. After 40 years, not one, but two players in one year exceeded the 61 home run record and suspicions heightened.
2004 Policy
Under the steroid policy MLB adopted in 2002, players caught using steroids would be required to seek treatment. There were no fines or suspensions involved. The need for a more stringent policy was realized as a result of the BALCO scandal. Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative (BALCO), distributed nutritional supplements to athletes. The government found that banned substances were being provided to athletes and allegations were made that MLB players were purchasing these substances. As a result, in 2004 each player was tested one a year during the regular season. A first positive test continued to result in treatment. However, players would be suspended for 15 days for a second positive test.
2005 Policy
The 2005 policy stated that all baseball players would be subject to an unannounced mandatory test at least once during the season and random testing would be done during the off-season. Also, selected players could be tested randomly throughout the season at any time. Players who tested positive would be suspended without pay. First-time offenders would be suspended for 10 days. If caught twice, there would be a 30-day suspension. The third offense would result in a 60-day suspension and a fourth offense was punishable by a one-year suspension.
2008 Policy
The rampant use of steroids among Major League Baseball players resulted in a federal investigation which was led by Sen. George Mitchell. The findings of this investigation and recommendations for a revised steroid policy are included in a report, referred to as the Mitchell Report. As of 2008, the suspension for testing positive for steroids was 50 games. Players will be suspended for 100 games if they test positive for steroids a second time. A third positive test, like a third strike, means the player will be out, suspended from Major League Baseball forever.
Significance
Steroids increase muscle and reduce time needed to recover from an injury, giving players an unfair advantage. With the help of these performance enhancement drugs, balls were thrown harder and hit farther. Records were even broken. This has created an interesting dilemma for the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA), the individuals responsible for voting players into the Hall of Fame. Other than having played for 10 years and be retired for five, the other qualifications to be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame are subjective and include standards like integrity, sportsmanship and character. For some players, the use of steroids may actually prevent them from being elected into the Hall.
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