In a recent episode of the Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delved into the controversial and enduring topic of steroids in baseball. With a critical eye and years of closely covering baseball’s “steroid era”, Patrick offered a comprehensive examination of how the era of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) has shaped, and continues to shape, the sport.
Patrick began by recounting a poignant moment during a baseball tribute to Willie Mays, which included figures like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Barry Bonds. The presence of these former players, particularly those linked to steroid use (A-Rod & Bonds), prompted Patrick to reflect on the current state of baseball's legacy regarding PEDs.
“Bonds wasn't getting paid a lot of money until he went to the Giants, and then all of a sudden, you know, he had the Fountain of Youth. He's making twenty million dollars a year.”
Dan Patrick on Barry Bonds
“The new generation may look at steroids differently. We've moved on from steroids, we don't talk about it,” Patrick observed. This generational shift in perspective raises questions about how history might be rewritten. Patrick warned against the “whitewash” of baseball's history, advocating instead for an honest recounting of the steroid era's impact.
One of Patrick's key points was the perceived hypocrisy within the baseball community, especially concerning individuals like Alex Rodriguez, who has found a post-playing career in broadcasting despite his steroid scandals.
“He got caught twice. He shouldn't be anywhere near Major League Baseball,” Patrick stated emphatically. This sentiment echoed his broader concern that allowing such figures to remain prominent risks normalizing their past transgressions.
Patrick's commentary also highlighted the inconsistent handling of steroid users by Major League Baseball (MLB) and its affiliated bodies. He noted that players like Bonds, who achieved extraordinary feats during their careers, still face substantial public and institutional scrutiny, while others have managed to rehabilitate their images more successfully.
“Barry Bonds broke Hank's all-time home run record, and he had to sit there and eat it. It was horrible, felt terrible, but you know that's baseball, baseball in that era.”
Patrick's reflections extend to the financial implications of the steroid era. He pointed out how players like Bonds and Mark McGwire financially benefited from their enhanced performances, earning massive contracts that would have been unattainable otherwise.
“Bonds wasn't getting paid a lot of money until he went to the Giants, and then all of a sudden, you know, he had the Fountain of Youth. He's making twenty million dollars a year.”
Another critical aspect Patrick touched upon was the role of the fans in this ongoing narrative. He emphasized that fans hold significant power in shaping how the sport addresses its past. “I'll put the onus on you, the fan. You want to go see you want to that's the game you want to follow, Then fine, I can only tell you just because I'm old school,” Patrick remarked, underscoring the importance of public opinion in the sport's evolving ethical landscape.
Patrick also discussed the importance of historical integrity, arguing against the revision or sanitization of baseball's complex history. “I don't want to whitewash history. I don't want to rewrite history. If you want to do it, you want to showcase A-Rod, fine, but tell the whole story.”
Reflecting on the broader implications, Patrick called for a balanced approach in recognizing the achievements of players from the steroid era while also acknowledging their transgressions. “As long as you just tell the history of the sport.”
Listen to the full interview on the Dan Patrick Show Here.
Dan Patrick's insightful commentary on steroids in baseball serves as a reminder of the sport's ongoing struggle with its past. By advocating for transparency and integrity, Patrick underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of baseball's history, one that recognizes both the achievements and the controversies that have shaped the game.
