Baseball was once referred to as America’s pastime.That very statement makes many sports fans cringe these days.The recent era of baseball has a dark cloud cast over it.Take your pick from a handful of reasons:MLB players’ strike, controversy of steroids, Hall of Fame debates, Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro, ridiculous contracts, tainted records, trade demands…the list goes on…and on…and on.
After the MLB strike in the 90’s, many baseball fans were turned off by the game.Shortly after, some would say that Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa “saved the game” with their epic home run battle.
Not too many years later, it appears that baseball is at risk of losing fans…once again.
So what will it take to get the game back on track?Is it even possible?
Controversy and greed have taken over several sports in the last 20 years.Professional boxing & the NHL are two prime examples.Even the once classic style of play in the NBA has dwindled…with the emergence of flashy players that exhibit selfish attitudes.Heck, even the little league world series saw its share of controversy with Danny Almonte.
I wonder if sports will ever be the same.
Baseball has recovered before, and I hope that it will again.In order for that to happen, baseball needs heroes…now more than ever.
The recent passing of Kirby Puckett was a tragedy for the entire baseball world.In his death, I hope baseball players realize what it takes to be a hero.Kirby Puckett was a legend…children of that era wanted to be like him.
What would happen if children today try to mimic current baseball players?Would they demand to be traded to a different little league team?Are they learning that cheating is acceptable, as long as you don’t get caught?Are they practicing their swing hoping that it will someday earn them a multi-million dollar contract?Do they refuse to switch positions to help their team win, because it will hurt their market value?
Unfortunately, that is exactly the kind of example that our MLB players are setting.
So are there any heroes left?
Baseball took the first step toward recovery by finally addressing the steroid issue.The policy may not be perfect just yet, but at least it’s a start.The policy implementation was long overdue, but will hopefully level the playing field for MLB players.
What baseball needs now is the emergence of heroes.Hopefully, future record-breakers will be free of controversy.Baseball also needs to see players that love the game.If fans can just get a little taste of that, baseball should be on the road to recovery.
Though the true heroes have not emerged yet, here are a few candidates that spring to mind:
Derek Jeter:He is one of the most popular players in the game today.Jeter is not likely to break any records, but boasts solid all-around skills.He makes acrobatic defensive plays, is known for clutch hitting, and plays the game with all-out hustle.Derek is also a key member of the USA team in the World Baseball Classic.While other players have bowed out of the international tournament, Jeter has expressed enthusiasm in representing his sport and country.
Miguel Cabrera:It may be a little early to call him a record breaker, but Miguel has already managed to become an MVP candidate…even before his 23rd birthday.In his first 3 seasons of play, he has hit for a batting average of .300 to go along with 78 home runs.The scary thing is that he hasn’t reached his prime.If Cabrera can have a healthy career, he might just look to break a few records.
Albert Pujols:Albert is only slightly older than Cabrera, at 26 years of age.However, Pujols has defied logic with his immediate impact on baseball.He has already hit 201 home runs to go along with a .332 career batting average.St. Louis is a good team for Pujols, and should allow him opportunities for World Series heroics.This may be the most talented player in the game today.There are several records that he could contest, and he is also one of a few true Triple Crown threats in the league.
Mark Prior:Kerry Wood was once viewed as “the next Roger Clemens”.Wood has battled injury early in his career, and the ace of the Cubs is now Mark Prior.Prior is 25 years old, and has already proved that he can be dominant.He has only played one full season (due to injuries), but tallied mind-numbing stats in only his second year.In 2003, Mark had 245 strikeouts and a 2.43 ERA.If he manages to stay healthy throughout his career, Mark Prior could be Hall of Famer.
In closing, I would like to say how much I love the game of baseball.The game itself, not necessarily the league.When baseball is played at in its purest form…it is nothing short of poetry in motion.I would urge the world of baseball to get back to basics, and remember the great history of the game.Celebrate players like Mantle, Maris, Ruth, Gehrig, Aaron, and Puckett…instead of constantly concentrating on controversy.
Holy ####, great post! I could copy this onto my blog because it is like you spoke from my thoughts, of course I won't copy it without your permission lmaoo!! Speaking for myself, I will always consider baseball as Americas pastime, it will always be my favorite sport and I see the recent steroid situation in particular as a cleansing time for the game which makes the future that much better for me. I do not see anything that will help with the greed of todays athletes and this may be the downfall of all sports if it is not addressed. Awesome post!
good info shooter.
of the guys you spoke about, i like pujols the most. the reason is, he did exactly what alphonso soriano is refusing to do, just to get into the lineup. he played several positions his rookie year, including 3rd base, left field and 1st base. that is something bill hall did for the brewers last year, and will continue to do this season as well. hall is actually taking time in practice to shag fly balls, to possibly be the 4th outfielder, along with being the backup at 3B, SS, AND 2B. guys that just want to play, and dont worry about which position are the guys i look up to. kirby puckett actually did the same, as i just found out in an interview on "cold pizza" this morning. he was originally an infielder, but a college coach convinced him to move to the outfield, after seeing him run an incredibly fast 60 yard dash.
Many guys switch positions...just to play the game. Craig Biggio has done it several times...Pujols did it...even Cabrera did. Soriano really angers me...because he's a defensive liability at 2nd...And he knows it! I don't know what his problem is. Would he really rather sit on the bench than play in the outfield...where his speed would be useful? Selfish, selfish, selfish...
It's just good that many players are NOT like Soriano.
WOW!! What else can be said. All very true and easy for me to agree with.
The way today's game is, it easier to cheer for the small market teams. Most of the time bigger market teams (BOS, BRNX, LA) there is a team loaded with a bunch of individuals not a true team.
I would much rather watch/follow the Cubs, Royals, Tigers, etc. and be miserable for years on end w/o a mere sniff of the post season than cheer for A. Rod., Manny, or Pedro.
I will say this, since Sammy and McGuire ducked the steroid issue, I have boxed up ALL of my 1998 memorablia with either of them on it. All respect has been lost for both.
I gave Sammy the benefit of the doubt with the bat, but now I have seen the light. Especially now after a terrible year with the O's.
Since 99 when the rumors started about Sammy I stuck with him, through the whining and all of the spring training #### that he was famous for in Chitown, then there was the lower production, not just at bat, but fewer steals and was closing on the ball as fast in the field. And now he can't speak for himself in front of congress.
And look at McGuire compare 98 to now, eight years later, but c'mon. Somebody with that much rip doesn't just let it go, oddly enough he looks about the same size he did early in Oakland..Crazy!
Either way I just want to say I completely agree with you on this one.
Well said...
Thanks general...
I agree with the concept of "team" in smaller markets. If a team like the Cubs were to win a World Series...I think cubbie fans would appreciate it more.
While Yankees fans bash their team for anything less that a championship each year.
As for Sosa & McGwire...I must put them in the same category as all other players. They might have, but who knows? They aren't any more guilty than others...but things are su####ious. Sosa's decline, McGwire's silence...
I really hope to put the steroid era behind us. Maybe Pujols will hit 80 HR this year...
I think you could also throw some teams like the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, Oakland A's, Atlanta Braves, and Chicago White Sox who play the game the right way. I do think baseball will recover because as I say in my post baseball has recovered from a lot more and a lot worse than this.
In the words of Billy Chapel, "The game doesn't stink Mr. Wheeler, it's a great game." I wish there were more Billy Chapel's in baseball, even if he wasn't real.
good stuff, did you get a chance to watch Cabrera play today in the WBC, outstanding performance, in fact until the 9th inning the Dominican and Venezula game was extremely exciting, much more exciting than watching regular spring training, (sunday I found myself more interested in watching kids run up and down the hill on the lawn seats around me than watching the Sox and D-Backs) For all the bad talking about the WBC what i saw today was good, even a somewhat dull 2-0 win for the USA. (post on the WBC forthcoming)
Nice work, dude. Baseball will survive, as always, but that's not what I took away from this article. What I took away from it was a new attitude about watching it this summer. I plan to immerse myself in the beauty and nuance of the game itself (although I'm sure I'll still throw a couple of shots Barry's way). Thanks for the perspective!
A well-written blog, and I understand your viewpoint, but I just cannot disagree more with the notion about caring so much about what our children are going to do.
We're going to punish adults -- "veteran children" as said by the great Bill Maher -- because children might mimic something? As I've said before, if you don't want your child doing something, then do some parenting. Don't make me suffer because you're too busy working overtime or buying your mocha latte to raise your children.
Also, the game isn't going to go back to the way it was. In a way, the game of baseball is like our planet Earth. Some stuff comes up that looks disastrous, but she always shakes it off and returns back to normal. Earth had the Ice Age; baseball had the 1994 strike. Earth had plate tectonics that split the land into essentially seven continents; baseball has the steroids era.
McGwire and Sosa did save baseball, believe it or not. As I said in one of my steroids articles, "baseball watched as fans traded in their baseball caps for football helmets." No one had any interest in baseball until McGwire and Sosa got up to around 40-45 HR. TV ratings spiked, and revenues from all over increased rapidly over that summer o' '98. McGwire and Sosa performed CPR on baseball, and it might have been joined in the cellar by the NHL with their most recent strike.
I didn't say anything about punishing adults for children trying to mimic them. And no, it's not an athlete's job to raise children. But I think they do have a responsibility to behave according to societal standards. Such behavior is not tolerated in other professions, so why should professional sports be any different?
I know the game isn't going back to the way it once was. That's simply wishful thinking. I just think there is plenty good in the game now that people over-look. Instead of a daily Bonds headline, we should be reading about Miguel Cabrera and a cast of MANY young prospects. Because there are some great players making their way into the MLB. They will redefine the game in the "post-steroid era".
Do you think that McGwire and Sosa saved baseball? Or do you think steroids saved baseball?
It would be ironic that steroids could help save baseball, and also destroy it.
Appreciate the comments though...honestly. Very detailed, and well-thought opinions.
It's tough to root for any but the skinniest ballplayers because they all look juiced to me. It's going to take some time to erase the memories of McGwire and Co.
DrCrab: Maybe Johnny Damon will hit 75 HR...and the world can root for him.
It's a no win situation. If a player is already big, he's accused of steroid use. If a player is skinny, then hits many HR...people will accuse him of steroid use.
The only guy exempt from accusations would be Scott Podsednik. Oh, wait. He hit no regular season HR's, then magically he hit one in the post-season. Maybe...
As far as I'm concerned, McGwire and Sosa never used steroids. They saved baseball, regardless of whether or not they were juiced.
It's not steroids that are destroying baseball, it's the purists that want to turn back time and return to the days of Sandy Koufax and Hank Aaron.
I know you didn't say anything about punishing adults, but that is what we're doing by outlawing anything and everything that we deem inappropriate for children: drugs, violence, sexuality, etc.
I'm definitely not old enough to wish for the days of Hank Aaron and Sandy Koufax. I'd rather just turn back the clock to when Barry Bonds was the size of a normal human...and a Pirate.
Actually, I don't think we should outlaw or "censor" everything in society for children. But I wish sports like baseball would at least hold true to the standards of society...and laws for that matter.
I can very much accept that the game is changing. It is maddening that Selig refused to keep up with other professional sports in drug policies. I'm sure it was intentional...his way of "assisting" baseball popularity.
Good post ShooterB. I love the game of baseball and it will survive, but like your comment above, steroids may have saved the game.
I also read today that Donald Fehr thinks the revenue percentage is okay at 34% which is a good sign they don't want to ask for more, but he also said they will not test for HGH. What does that say? A first time positive this year also results in a 50 game suspension.
I agree that you need standards in order to have a civil society, but controlling what people put into their bodies? No, but thanks.
Why is it okay for people to go bungee jumping, but it's not okay for someone to ingest a pill that could help you work out longer and thereby add a bit more muscle mass? I would rather my kid take steroids than attach a rope to his waist and jump off a bridge or a cliff.
I had this debate with LSUFan, which you can probably skim over on his blog, but I'll pose it again here: what difference is it if an athlete takes steroids or takes some other kind of performance-enhancer, such as protein shakes, or Cortizone shots? You can't just label one product as a performance enhancer and another not as one, when they both clearly enhance performance.
If an athlete hobbling on one leg takes a Cortizone shot, he is then able to go up to the plate and take hearty swings as compared to riding the pine if he had opted not to take the shot. That is performance enhancing -- it enhanced his ability to swing the bat and run.
Sosa, McGwire, and Juice all words that belong in the same sentence.
I do have to say that yes professional athletes do need to show more reponsibility for their actions on and off the field and set an example.
ON the other hand I'm a firm believer in the old school raising of ones kids...do it yourself. The old saying "If you want it done right, do it yourself" If a kid mimics something a player does on the field its one thing. Peer pressure is a big reality check if it had a negative effective on someone or team. If a kid mimics what a player does off the field (negatively..juice, crime, school, etc.) the parents need a swift kick for letting it happen and not teaching right from wrong.
I swear if my kids do or act anything like some popular athletes, I'm gonna turn into the warden at Ryker's. LOCK'EM DOWN BOYS!!!!!!!!
Socal...it is odd that some substances are allowed, while others are banned. I think the line should be clear. If it's illegal in society, then should be banned in baseball. I didn't look to closely at the policy, but I imagine their are "legal" substances that are banned.
Ultra: As far as arguing society's standards...why is it illegal NOT to wear a seat belt? Will I cause anyone else danger by choosing not to wear a seat belt? No, but still...I'm controlled by laws.
We could argue legalities all day long. But the main thing is that steroids are an illegal substance. At least for the purposes of performance enhancement, and body building. If all sports and society said they were OK...then maybe you have a point. But until they do, I think the playing field should be level for all athletes. Plus, they have been proven to pose serious health risks with long term use. Maybe it should be an individual's choice...as you suggested. But nevertheless...most Americans strap on their seat belt everytime they get in the car.
General: Parents should ultimately have the responsibility of raising their kids. But athletes, and all mass media do have SOME responsibility. Not to be perfect, but at least show some decency...respect for the game, and respect for rules & the law. Many athletes seem to be above societal standards, some even above the law. Not that they have to be role models...but for a kid interested in sports, it is great to have a few role models to look up to. Sports have definitely changed...but there should be a middle ground.
Nice.
You made some good points but something needs to be said besides this: please read my blog!
Wow, my post exploded. Thanks.
I like Tadahito Iguchi, and I will still root for Frank Thomas. Now with all the injuries, I hope for him to stay healthy! So many lost seasons! But he, like Griffey, could be a comeback feel good story, right?
Last edited by edclinchsaint on March 8th at 2:30 PM.
nice post shooter B and you used jeter in your "true heroes canidates" you know you got my vote. let's hope baseball can get past this mess and become great again. i love it!
42tbone: You sound familiar...except without the cursing and yelling. I figured you would like my inclusion of Derek Sanderson Jeter...Bienvienidos and stuff...
HAZ: The country of New Mexico is wonderful...Pancho Villa is no longer in charge, soon...we have another presidente.
I'll check out your Bonds post. My stomach can only digest so many Bonds articles at once...The topic has become sickening, but still interesting. I'll leave a comment...
I am an avid baseball fan and have been a fan of the Atlanta Braves all of my life. Funny thing though, my favorite players aren't even on the Braves. Ken Griffey Jr. is my favorite followed by Albert Pujols and former Brave Tom Glavine. I enjoyed seeing Grif get his smile back. To me, that is what it is all about, having fun and playing your best every time out. Baseball could be saved if they were able to get a new face in control of it. After the "Congressional" hearings, who would want Bud Selig or Donald Fehr representing our national past time. Get a new commissioner, a new union rep and let's put the integrity back into the game. The change of those two would at least assist in bringing back some of the true fans of the game and not just the corporate sponsors who buy seats and don't use them.
Pip: I agree...get rid of Selig & Fehr...then baseball can move forward in a positive direction. As a Pirates fan...I also have favorite players on other teams. Probably Pujols is one of them. It is cool to see guys like Griffey having fun again.
Brokeback: Good comments...I can think of one better suggestion for proven steroid users. Banish them from the major leagues, but allow them to play in the minors for the remainder of their careers. They would draw interest at the minor league level...and the ban from MLB would seriously deter any users. That would clean up the game a bit.
There are still heroes left; they're just harder to find.
Are athletes today different or are their flaws more exposed than in the past? I wonder about that sometimes, but don't know that we'll ever discover the answer. Is it because the media promotes the controversy & the public feeds on it? (I'm thinking of those two things as concurrent, not saying one element is dominant.)
Interesting discussion here (Wow, I feel like I've been away for along time!). As far as the effect on kids, AND adults for that matter, we all have a responsibility toward our behavior and what is being presented. To say it all relies on parenting is too simplistic. Even the children of the most conscientious parents raise themselves to a degree... and rely on messages from media, athletes in some cases, and other adults (such as coaches). And adults are not immune to media messages either!
Covering the players that love the game; I'm all for that! As well as acknowledging anyone who approaches life with passion... And when that shows in what they do... Well-expressed post and nicely-handled comments, Shooter.
The Pistons have made news for their teamwork (because oddly enough, it's now an unusual concept, therefore news). That's a bright spot. (Just had to mention the D. And I'm rambling...)
I think that athletes aren't necessarily different than those of old...as you suggested, their flaws are more exposed. Though players today have different vices of mischief, the attitude remains similar. Many players in the mid 1900's were heavy drinkers...womanizers, etc. Drugs & crime are more prevalent today...but similarities. The main difference is the media. These days, they seem to report 90% controversy...even stirring up some on their own.
The Pistons are a great example of "team play". It's sad that such stories don't get the attention they deserve.
The World Baseball Classic has been interesting thus far, it seems like MLB calliber players enjoying the game just for the sake of competition. It's neat to see that kind of pride. Perhaps a sign of things to come.
Watching teams like Puerto Rico & the Dominican Republic is astounding. Maybe just the right attitude to set the stage for the MLB season.
I just want to say that I think Derek Jeter has established himself as a hero. It's Miguel, Albert and Mark that still need work in that area. Ohh, and I'd say at this point, Carlos Zambrano is the ace of the Cubs.
I don't see how people can sit here and say that "You Know Who" never took steroids. Yes, there was no positive tests, yet they weren't tested back in '98, were they ?
I can't wait until I turn 35 in 8 years and gain 25-40 lbs of pure muscle mass to my upper body. Just by working out and hittin' the ol' flaxseed oil.. lol... are you kidding me ?
Derek Jeter may already be a hero...but has many years left to continue those heroics. Even in losing, his effort and enthusiasm for the World Baseball Classic was evident.
Perhaps Miguel, Albert, and Mark have some catching up to do...but it would be great if MLB had many heroes to look up to. Instead of hatred in rivalry, an appreciation and mutual respect amongst the big guns. Like the NBA days of Magic, Bird, & Jordan...
Baseball will be OK. It's still the best buy for ticket holders of the 4 sports and it does own about 4 months of the calendar each year. But, I think the devaluing of the World Series has hurt. It used to be a big deal and now it's just the last round of the playoffs.
Good choices on the players you named. Pujols is phenominal. Right handed hitters usually have to work a bit harder and he's already one of the best ever. His line drives are incredible.
Going back to the title of this post, I would say that yes, Baseball can be saved. While I understand that players of character like those listed above, I think the greatest challenge for the sport in the next year will be the controversy over Barry Bonds and his little steroid problem. The idea of Bonds eclipsing the records of Ruth and Aaron is a crime. Both literally and figuratively. Sure 715 & 756 will certainly make great theater if they occur, but in the minds of SO MANY people it will be a travesty.
Given that situation, I would say that if Bonds doesn't have the character to simply walk away and leave the game with its tattered respectability still intact, I think that pitchers should simply not pitch to him. I started thinking about what can one guy do about this? Generally, not much but that does not mean it’s not worth a try. At helpsavebaseball.com you can e-mail every single team in MLB and encourage them to tell their pitchers not to pitch to him.
I guess we can’t force him to leave gracefully, but if he demands to play let the last record he goes home with be walks, and leave the home run record for someone who deserves it.
Selected as a finalist in the 2nd "Next Great Sportswriter" contest, but I didn't bring enough cowbell to win it.
I am the self-appointe d chairman of the National Sarcasm Society. If you don't believe me, I guess I don't really care...
I enjoy reading anything that is well written...nov els, articles, whatever. I also enjoy writing for recreation. I believe that writers and athletes have the best jobs on the planet.
