Steroids' damage, By: Chuck Yasinski

August 14, 2006

Ben Walker's July 22 article, "Sad but true, steroids saved baseball," couldn't be further from the truth. Speaking as a fan, steroids' affect on the game at times distracted, amazed, angered and saddened us.

But at no time did it endear us to the national pastime. Sure it got our attention, but for the wrong reasons -- sensationalism, drama and intrigue.

Steroids gave baseball fans a false sense of hope. We wanted to believe that Mark McGwire was naturally strong, that Sammy Sosa was drug-free and that Barry Bonds was telling the truth. It now seems that our hope was lost in a big lie.

Saying steroids saved baseball is like saying steroids saved the careers of those who abused them. In fact, steroids have damaged the reputations and future health of those men beyond repair.

If baseball is to really be saved, it won't come from anything to do with professional baseball. Baseball's saving grace will come from the kids who continue play the game at the most basic level for the most basic reason -- fun.