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Mars Hill Ball Players Speak on Steriod Issue
by Joe Weidman
Jeff Mayo
John Quail
Brandon Blackwell
Chris Flynn
Chris O'Connor
Chris Argano
Jason Yelton
Jon Cunningham
Mark Hamilton
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Nine Mars Hill College baseball players were surveyed about steroid use in Major League Baseball. The responses varied on the topics of known side effects, different types of steroids, whether or not the newly installed testing method would prevent any of today's players from taking steroids, and if the drug gives an unfair competitive advantage.
MLB has never had a testing method for performance enhancing drugs and players have admitted to taking them for a little over a year now, so the league finally decided to take action. However, many Mars Hill College baseball players believe that it will not prevent players from taking steroids.
The opinion on steroids right now in baseball varies. Most think steroids are bad for baseball, like sophomore Jeff Mayo, who said, "I believe it is cheating, like using a corked bat," and sophomore John Quail, who said, "It ruins the game; the purity of the game is jeopardized by steroid use." Also, freshman Brendan Blackwell said, "I think it is more satisfying for the fans now, but the way records are being broken it is killing the game."
On the other hand, senior Chris Flynn believes, "it helps the sport because it makes it more interesting to the non-baseball lover. I think it is better for the sport in general." Sophomore Chris O'Connor said, "I think they have been in baseball for a long time and people are just starting to realize it now."
Sophomore Chris Argano said, " I think it is not overrated, but it is talked about too much instead of the game. I don't think there is a way you can stop it. These days if you need an advantage you have to take it." Sophomore Jason Yelton said, "I think they should not be allowed. Some guys say their jobs depend on it. When there is a younger guy below them that will take their spot, they're going to do anything to keep their job for themselves and their families."
Some short-term as well as long-term side effects were discussed. Chris Flynn cited "bacne (a term used to describe acne on the back), hair growth, and also long term effects that I am not too sure of."
Mayo said, "Testicles will shrink, guys' boobs will get bigger, girls' boobs will get smaller," and he mentioned effects on kids and sperm count. But senior Jon Cunningham, who also happens to be a certified personal trainer said, "As a trainer I have learned that if they (steroids) are not abused greatly, the side effects are not very harmful. The problem with professional athletes is the more they see results, the more they feel they need to take them."
In general, most people know of effects on the testicles, changes in breast size (because an excess of testosterone makes the body produce extra estrogen), hair loss and mood swings as short-term side effects. Furthermore, some long-term effects expressed by the group were liver damage, cardiovascular disease, and effects on the kidneys.
Steroids are known to give some players an unfair competitive advantage. Mayo believes, "Steroids give you energy and fake strength; it gives an advantage over guys that work hard and do it naturally."
Argano's opinion is, "They (steroids) definitely help out your reaction time, strength, speed, and it makes you an overall better player. You don't know who is taking it." On the other hand, Flynn said, "I believe it is fair because you are able to take them also."
There are many different types of steroids. The most commonly recognized types are Winstrol, Dianabol, and HGH (Human Growth Hormone). But, many of those asked did not know any actual types of steroids.
The punishment Major League Baseball will be enforcing for the first positive result will be mandatory drug counseling and no suspension or fine. For the second positive test there will be a $15,000 fine or a 15-day suspension without pay. It goes on up to a fifth time where the punishment is a one-year suspension or $100,000 depending on the league decision. "If you are determined to cheat or get an advantage over your opponent, I don't think it will stop anybody," said Quail.
O'Connor said, "players are going to take steroids. They'll find a way out of it." Cunningham said, "The current testing method doesn't test for human growth hormone. THG (another designer steroid) was designed to beat the Olympic testing. Where there are new tests being made, there is more money put out to beat it."
Junior Mark Hamilton said, "I think it will scare some people, but I don't think it will have much of an effect because people are doing it and they know it's illegal in the first place. They are just looking for that edge."
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