After watching a lot of tv and listening to a lot of radio lately about the steroid era in baseball, the only thing that makes me hopeful is thinking about this spring and how their is a new batch of players in the game that represent the best of baseball. These are the guys that are going to save the game from the steroid era. Players like Matt Kemp, Ryan Braun, Joe Mauer, Hanley Ramirez, Evan Longoria, and Ryan Zimmerman. They are the next superstars that represent the pure game again. There are also the clean veterans that have their careers entering the twilight that also represent the things that are great about the game. Names like Jeter, Chipper, Berkman, and Helton. Is it possible any of those guys dabbled in steroids? I don't want to sound naive or gullible so I'll say, "Sure, I guess it's possible." But we all know it would be a downright shocker if their names were ever linked to steroids. These are the guys that we should think of when we think of this steroid era. Those that resisted temptation to respect the game. I know my childhood took place in this terrible era for the game, but I'm proud of Jeter and Chipper and those that did it right. It makes them even more special in my mind.
So as we wade through the muck and mire of steroid confessions in these times, I urge you fellow baseball fans, continue to look towards the spring, and the legion of young players that are bringing the game back to where it belongs. Someday we will tell our kids, "You should have seen Joe Mauer hit, he was a natural. 100% all natural." It already sounds good saying it.
By: Ryan
