He is part of the reason I so loved baseball. 

My heart broke when the corked bat incident happened.  His career should not have ended this way, however, with his retirement pending after the World Baseball Classic in March, Sammy Sosa's name will only continue to remain known as another one of the steroid guys.

As Mark McGwire continues to be denied entrance into the Hall of Fame, Sosa's chances of making it are slim to none.

There is no doubt in my mind that Sammy Sosa's name is part of those that have yet to be completely released from the Mitchell Report.

While I never put Sosa in the same category as Alex Rodriguez, the man who saved baseball by not using steroids, every kid has their idols and does not want to believe that he would do such a thing.

However, as many of the young adults of our generation have come to realize, our sports superstars were just average guys hyped up on steroids. 

My dad used to tell me that Sosa was another one of those guys, but even coming from your dad, who wants to believe it right?

It seems like we can hardly go two months without another name being leaked or hearing more about Barry Bonds' case. 

What kind of images are now being sent to the younger generations.  They are going to grow up wondering how many of their favorite athletes have used steroids. 

It is sad, that my idol most likely used them, I can't imagine the damage it would do to someone much younger than I am.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?