The Mitchell Report: Baseball Prevails

Being an avid sports fan or not, it is likely that the hectic activity following steroid use in baseball has been brought to one's attention. The Mitchell Report is the most recent action, taken by former Senator George Mitchell (pictured at the left), to uncover the most unknown facts regarding performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. Names like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens top a list that has stirred up great controversy. Congress was fearful that the drug polices implemented by Major League Baseball were weak, and was allowing certain athletes to obtain an unfair advantage during competition. Congress designated George Mitchell to lead this extensive 20-month investigation, which was released December 13, 2007. This report was a federal investigation, which resulted in trials of several different current and former major league players. It has been an extremely stressful period for the athletes, management and fans. I am writing this not to criticize players who have taken performance enhancing drugs. My goal is analyze different aspects of baseball's success as a business and fan based sport, post-Mitchell Report. The popularity of professional football, basketball and NASCAR are constantly increasing. The most important element that we need to analyze regarding the steroid scandal is what effects will be drawn from this in the future? Many people have been personally offended by this situation, while others do not even care. We must take all the necessary precautions to make sure that the name of baseball is not forever damaged.

We have lived in an era dominated by the long ball. 73 home runs is absolutely incredible. The thought of that number that high is almost mind boggling. At one point Barry Bonds rounded the bases in Pittsburgh at a slim 185 lbs. His final year in San Francisco he was listed at a bulky 230 lbs, probably even heavier. Due to his incredible power numbers and growth physically, Bonds has long been the main topic of the steroid discussion. In recent years, books like Jose Canseco's "Juiced" and Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance William's "Game of Shadows" have released the names of several players who aided their performance. It is evident that books like these, have really changed the dynamic of baseball. Does baseball really need the long ball to succeed as a business? Even with home run totals far lower than they have been in a long time, the fans are still filling the seats. Yes it is exciting when an athlete homers, but winning is still the most important part of baseball. It is about cheering on your team, and helping people relate with their city. The drug testing is now far more advanced, making it nearly impossible to get away with anything. Statistics show us that power numbers in baseball are drastically down. Only Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies currently has more than 40 home runs. The last couple years Howard has been the class of the league when it comes to home run and RBI totals. Fortunately, Howard seems to hold a natural size and strength that help produce his leading statistics. An area that has really hurt baseball, is when these superstar players are caught in their lies. Former major league great, Rafael Palmeiro, was known around the league and to the country as a great all around person. When he was questioned in the courtroom, Palmerio looked straight into the camera and emphasized the fact that he did not taking performance enhancing drugs. It was much to the chagrin of the league and fans around the country when we later found out that Palmeiro did in fact lie. These athletes have disappointed their fans and embarrassed themselves. Maybe it has all been for nothing. Even with a rise in the scandal situation, baseball remains in a thriving situation.

As the number of home run totals decreases, attendance is as constant as ever. In Bonds's record setting season in 2001, the San Francisco Giants averaged 40,877 fans per game. In 2007 a far less talented giants team still averaged 39,792 fans a game. Allegiance is as strong now as it was prior the steroids, and The Mitchell Report. September 21, 2008 marked the last game played at Yankee Stadium. Yankee fans are viewed as dedicated, yet loathed by many people around the country. Tickets for the last game at old Yankee stadium reached outrageous prices ranging up to $15,000, even though it was against a mediocre Baltimore team. Both Andy Pettite and Jason Giambi suit up for the Yankees, but that does not seem to effect fan support either. In fact, it has been the consistency of Yankee fans that has given owner George Steinbrenner, the means to build the new Yankee stadium, which is costing a reported $1 billion. The stadium is said to resemble a 5-star hotel, including a spa, and several high end restaurants. The New York Mets are also building a new park, as well as a few other teams around the league. The integrity of the game has been tainted slightly, but the popularity of baseball is still there. Scandals are common in all athletic competition because everyone is looking to get a competitive edge. The consistent success of baseball, post-Mitchell Report, shows me that America needs baseball. Even if baseball reverts back to small ball, like it used to be, fans will continue to remain loyal and dedicated. This is America's game, and although The Mitchell Report hit this game with heavy force, baseball prevailed.