"I Want my Muscles"


by: Don Groth

Hi sports fans. I hope all of you are happy and healthy! ...

My topic this time is about the much talked about lately, use or misuse of steroids in sports today, especially in pro baseball. It's a sad situation!

Ex-pro baseball player Ken Caminitti admits he was using steroids the year he had his best season and won the National League MVP award when he was a member of the San Diego Padres. He hit .326 with 40 home runs and 130 RBI's. Caminitti was quoted by Sports Illustrated saying, "I believe that over 50% of the players today in major league baseball use steroids."

Star Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Curt Schilling in an ESPN interview was quoted saying, "I also believe at least half of the pro-baseball players today use steroids and many of them joke about it. Retired slugger Jose Canseco in an interview with Sports Illustrated and ESPN was quoted saying, "I believe steroid use in pro baseball today is as high as 85%!" Canseco is in the process of writing a book about it. He admits the use of steroids his whole career.

Texas Ranger pitcher Kenny Rogers told Sports Illustrated, "Basically, steroids can jump you to a level or two. The average player can become a star and the star player can become a superstar. And the superstar? Forget it! He can do things we've never seen before!" "No one denies it is a problem.", baseball commissioner Bud Selig said in a national interview. Selig continues, "It's a problem we can and must deal with now! I'm very worried about this!"

There are complications later from steroid use that players don't want to think or talk about. Ken Caminitti now has sore and aching joints from bulging muscles that his tendons and ligaments couldn't hold! Players today are more concerned about production and statistics so they can sign bigger money contracts.

Obviously, changes need to be made! For example, banning the use of steroids and having players tested. I'll be keeping my eye on this hot topic and will report more in the future about it. Until next time ... Take care everyone!

Don

Previous Articles

February '02
March '02
May '02
"June '02 The Stadium Issue"

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Don Groth is a 45 yrs. old, x-minor league baseball player, Yankee A farm club, Ft Lauderdale, Fl. Still very active in playing baseball, softball and volleyball and coaching. Husband, father of 3, 2 girls(23 & 22) 1 boy, 18. He and Betty are loving life in too cold Minnesota. You can reach Don at; Don@boomerjournals.com