Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) have become a major issue in professional sports. Baseball has been no exception, with a number of prominent players having been caught using PEDs in recent years. This article will provide an overview of the issue of PEDs in baseball and how the sport has responded to the problem.
What are Performance-Enhancing Drugs?
Performance-enhancing drugs, also known as PEDs, are substances taken to improve physical or mental performance. PEDs can be either legal or illegal, depending on the nature of the substance and its use. Common types of PEDs include anabolic steroids, stimulants, and human growth hormone (HGH). These drugs are used by athletes to increase strength, speed, and endurance, as well as to recover more quickly from injury.
History of PEDs in Baseball
The use of PEDs in baseball dates back to the early 20th century. At the time, amphetamines and other stimulants were widely used by players to increase alertness and performance. In the 1960s and 1970s, anabolic steroids began to be used by some players to increase power and strength. In the 1990s, PED use in baseball exploded, with the use of steroids becoming increasingly widespread.
The Steroid Era
The 1990s and early 2000s are often referred to as the “Steroid Era” in baseball. During this time, the use of steroids and other PEDs became so widespread that many believe it changed the game. Home run records were shattered, as players became bigger and stronger than ever before.
In 2003, the MLB implemented its first drug testing policy, which included testing for performance-enhancing drugs. However, the policy was not strictly enforced, and players continued to use PEDs. In 2005, a congressional hearing was held in which several prominent players were called to testify about their use of PEDs. This hearing brought the issue of PEDs to the forefront of public consciousness and forced the MLB to take further action.
MLB’s Response to PEDs
In response to the public outcry over the use of PEDs, the MLB has implemented a series of measures to try to reduce their use. In 2006, the league implemented a tougher drug testing policy that included in-season testing and suspensions for players who test positive. In 2013, the policy was further strengthened to include year-round testing and harsher punishments for those who are caught using PEDs.
Players caught using PEDs are subject to a variety of penalties, including suspensions, fines, and loss of awards and records. In addition, players found guilty of using PEDs are often subjected to public scrutiny and ridicule.
Conclusion
The use of PEDs in baseball has been a major issue for the sport in recent years. The MLB has taken steps to reduce the use of PEDs by implementing tougher testing policies and harsher punishments for those who are caught using them. Despite these efforts, PEDs remain a problem in baseball and the league continues to take steps to try to eliminate them.