Cheatings Its More Then Just Steroids

There is no doubt that the Steroid Era has had a huge effect on baseball over the past two decades. Power numbers have risen, legacies of Hall-of-Famers destroyed and the continuous doubt about our favorite players. The Steroid Era is also at the forefront of this years World Series.

The New York Yankees have former admitted users Alex Rodriguez and Andy Pettitte. Because they are the Yankees there are doubts about every player on their roster. Is it deserved? No, but its the age we live in and the team those guys play for.

Is it fair? In my opinion it never has been, and that’s not the Yankees fan in me talking.

Ever since Mark McGwire was accused in the 90s, I’ve been on the players side on this topic. While I may not agree with what they’ve done, it’s their body they can do what they want. In addition, they played within the rules at the time.

My main argument in the steroid debate isn’t that thou. My argument is that cheating has always been a part of baseball. Players have used spit balls, they’ve greased the balls up with vaseline. They’ve corked bats. Teams steal signs all the time.

It’s all part of the game, even if its against the rules. It’s all cheating but its whatever till you caught. I’d have to say that’s something that could be happening to the team trailing in the World Series.

First, sign stealing. Teams have accused the Phillies of this ever since moving into Citizens Bank Park. No one has ever been able to prove it but the discussion is back in the media because of the super long Yankee mound visits to discuss pitches.

Anyone who has been to the park or more importantly worked in the park, know about the “Eye in the Sky”. The left-center field control booth where they see almost every inch of that stadium and field on camera. With the placement of that there, you will always have doubt. Creating even more doubt is former Phillies manager Larry Bowa speaking up against it.

Do I believe they actually use that to their advantage? I’m not sure, it’s hard to argue that it has been with their performance in Games 3 and 4.

You’ve also got the Phillies using the old school pitcher tricks, i.e. the spit ball. FOX cameras clearly caught Chan Ho Park utilizing the pitch during Game 4. While nothing can be done about this, as it was not seen by the umpires when it happened. But I’m sure the umpires will be watching him closely if he gets the chance to pitch again.

Here’s that video.

I won’t even talk about the Phillies players who have been caught using steroids, before or after it was banned by Major League Baseball. Because that’s not the point of this post.

The point is to show that cheating is more then just who used and who may of used steroids.

If the Yankees hold on and win they’ll always be known as cheaters and a team that used ‘roids to get the title. If the Phillies win they’ll be known as the team that took down those cheating over paid steroid users.

When it comes to cheating most people hold steroids as the number one way, worse then any other method.

But in reality, cheating is cheating. Both teams have done their share of it this year and in past seasons. Every past champion has.