Mark McGwire admits to steroid use

[wyvernmcd]

Something that I just saw, the league commissioner is applauding that McGwire confessed as a "player" but he is not a current player anymore so the league can not do anything to him and the statute of limitations expired of when he used it so there is no legal things that can happen to him so again I am confused why people are saying good on him for admitting that he broke the rules. Someone please explain.

[MaineDolFan]

I don't think it matters that he did steroids, at all.  It's baseball's fault for not testing, so they can't cry foul when players admit to it years later.  Baseball knew it was happening and did nothing about it, because it was guys like McGwire that made it possible for baseball to come back into America's good graces.  It's disingenuous for them to be all outraged about it now.

Exactly.  I am very glad that people like Tommy never make mistakes in their lives.  God forbid they try to atone for those mistakes, for whatever the reason, and receive the ridiculous statements by some that I've heard.  The guy admitted it.  Kudos to him for doing something that most would never have the stones to do, regardless of motive. 

The only time anyone has come clean is when there is a smoking gun (IE, A Rod).  I understand that although you personally don't live a perfect live devoid of fault you expect other people to.  Cut the guy some slack.

You hit the nail on the head there.  Baseball fans are a bunch of hypocrites.

Dave wasn't speaking about baseball fans.  As you do, you're taking massive liberty with his statement.  He spoke of baseball in general.  Unless you know how each baseball fan actually felt during the dramatic power spike of that time you have nothing to say.  I am willing to bet you were still potty training during that time, therefore you aren't qualified to speak about how any baseball fan felt at that time and feel now about that time retroactively.  You're not a baseball fan and are therefore disqualified to speak about it from a fan viewpoint in any manner.

[MaineDolFan]

Something that I just saw, the league commissioner is applauding that McGwire confessed as a "player" but he is not a current player anymore so the league can not do anything to him and the statute of limitations expired of when he used it so there is no legal things that can happen to him so again I am confused why people are saying good on him for admitting that he broke the rules. Someone please explain.

St. Louis is toying with the idea of having Mark be a coach / part time player.

[JVides]

I don't think it matters that he did steroids, at all.  It's baseball's fault for not testing, so they can't cry foul when players admit to it years later.  Baseball knew it was happening and did nothing about it, because it was guys like McGwire that made it possible for baseball to come back into America's good graces.  It's disingenuous for them to be all outraged about it now.

It is disingenuous of them, and I agree with most of what you say, but I won't blame baseball exclusively.  I'm a Cards fan, and rooted for McGuire (still like him despite all this), but still have to lay the blame mostly at his and his peers' feet.  To say that you shouldn't be blamed for doing something which may have been a federal crime just because your employer did not have a direct, on-point rule against it is wrong.  Misusing steroids was still against the law, which should overrule any employer contract.

[Tepop84]

Dave wasn't speaking about baseball fans.  As you do, you're taking massive liberty with his statement.  He spoke of baseball in general.  Unless you know how each baseball fan actually felt during the dramatic power spike of that time you have nothing to say.  I am willing to bet you were still potty training during that time, therefore you aren't qualified to speak about how any baseball fan felt at that time and feel now about that time retroactively.  You're not a baseball fan and are therefore disqualified to speak about it from a fan viewpoint in any manner.

Hey douchebag.  I guess it is ok for personal insults when you mod the forum.  I was watching baseball at the time and the fans loved McGwire and Sosa.  To see them turn on Bonds, McGwire and everybody else now for sacrificing their body to give the fans what they want is hypocritical.

[Sunstroke]

I was watching baseball at the time and the fans loved McGwire and Sosa.  To see them turn on Bonds, McGwire and everybody else now for sacrificing their body to give the fans what they want is hypocritical.

...and to blanket-lump all baseball fans together under your hypocrisy umbrella is ridiculous. Did you speak to every baseball fan about "what they wanted" or whether or not they were ok with players doing steroids in order to hit more HRs?   Of course you didn't...your opinion is based on your opinion and maybe a couple others that you have communication with.  I've spoken to enough baseball fans over the years (and I'm old as dirt) to say that most fans that I've spoken with have always been sincerely in favor of no performance enhancing substances, and have been resolutely steadfast in their criticism of players who used them.

[Tepop84]

...and to blanket-lump all baseball fans together under your hypocrisy umbrella is ridiculous. Did you speak to every baseball fan about "what they wanted" or whether or not they were ok with players doing steroids in order to hit more HRs?   Of course you didn't...your opinion is based on your opinion and maybe a couple others that you have communication with.  I've spoken to enough baseball fans over the years (and I'm old as dirt) to say that most fans that I've spoken with have always been sincerely in favor of no performance enhancing substances, and have been resolutely steadfast in their criticism of players who used them.

The baseball ratings in 1997 say that they were in favor of seeing a lot of hrs.

[Sunstroke]

The baseball ratings in 1997 say that they were in favor of seeing a lot of hrs.

And was there a survey that said the fans were willing to tolerate performance enhancing drugs in their lust for the longball?  Of course there wasn't.

Accidents, scandals and tragedies get great ratings as well, but no one (outside TV network execs) is coming out in favor of wanting more of them.

[MaineDolFan]

Hey douchebag.  I guess it is ok for personal insults when you mod the forum.  I was watching baseball at the time and the fans loved McGwire and Sosa.  To see them turn on Bonds, McGwire and everybody else now for sacrificing their body to give the fans what they want is hypocritical.

I didn't insult you.  Calling you the biggest idiot I've ever encountered (if I were to say that) would be insulting you.  Stating that you're about as smart as one of the paper clips on my desk (if I were to say that) would be insulting you.  Calling you a flat out loser, if I were to say that, would be insulting you.

I stated that I believed you were too young at that time to realize what was really going on.  That isn't an insult.  If I were to say you're flat out too stupid to understand THAT - that would be an insult (if I were to say that...but I'm not).

So you were a baseball fan that watched every pitch and now you're not.  Got it.

[MaineDolFan]

The baseball ratings in 1997 say that they were in favor of seeing a lot of hrs.

"Chicks dig the long ball."  Of course this is accurate.  Your statement is 100% true.  Ratings were through the roof.  People weren't tuning in to see a well played double steal.  I, nor any other baseball fan, will ever dispute what the home run chase did for restoring the popularity of the game.  That said, that home run chase also brought new fans in that had zero ability to realize what they were really watching.  Those of us that remember thinking "wow" when a player topped 30 home runs knew better.  Before the strike - pre stupid sick power numbers - baseball was healthy.  Small markets drew well.  You don't need to sell out every home game to be successful.  The home run chase made baseball's popularity a bit artificial.

It is simply way too unfair to lump everything together in a ridiculous statement like the one that you made.  It is one thing to have your opinion on something.  I won't knock anyone for their opinion.  Your opinion is your own, it's not wrong.  Presuming to speak for a community of fans is a work of fiction on your end.

[StL FinFan]

St. Louis is toying with the idea of having Mark be a coach / part time player.

He was hired as a hitting coach in late October.  I was shocked that it flew under the radar until now.  They are toying with the idea of using him as a situational pinch hitter.

Since his retirement, individual players would seek his help with their swing during the off season.

[MaineDolFan]

I just don't see it working.  The guy is 48.  Hasn't faced live pitching in a long time.  His timing has to be off like you read about, his bat speed has to be at all time lows.  The only thing Big Mac will get you now are foul tips into the catchers mit and grounding into DP's.  I hope to God he stays on the bench and just coaches.

[Phishfan]

I hadn't heard anything about him being a part time player until this thread (I did know he was hired onto the staff though). I suspect that is just hot air.

[StL FinFan]

I just don't see it working.  The guy is 48.  Hasn't faced live pitching in a long time.  His timing has to be off like you read about, his bat speed has to be at all time lows.  The only thing Big Mac will get you now are foul tips into the catchers mit and grounding into DP's.  I hope to God he stays on the bench and just coaches.

It's just TLR talking.  I doubt anything comes of it. 

[JVides]

It's just TLR talking.  I doubt anything comes of it. 

La Russa probably harbors a dream that McGuire comes back, belts out a bunch of homers in part-time duty, and is vindicated as a natural home run hitter.  I wouldn't mind seeing that, either, as I always liked "Big Mac", but I agree with Maine's much more educated assessment.