Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Chris Griffin [Click to enlarge]

George J. Mitchell has spent his life in the political world, but on Dec. 15, 2007, the sports world had its eyes on him. On that day, Mitchell released a 409-page report that contained the names of 89 professional baseball players who allegedly used steroids.

Among those names were award winners, all-stars, World Series victors and even former Texas A&M students.

"I can't be na've about it," A&M junior first baseman Luke Anders said. "There are people out there using steroids. But I was surprised."

Steroids are a synthetically produced testosterone that fosters muscle growth and increases muscle mass. It is believed that professional baseball players were taking substances to improve their ability as far back as the 1970s.

In the book The Cheater's Guide to Baseball by Derek Zumsteg, former Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom House is quoted as saying: "We didn't get beat, we got out-milligrammed. And when you found out what they were taking, you started taking them."

However, the advantage one might gain from the use of steroids is offset by the side effects. Along with psychiatric problems, users can expect cardiovascular and liver damage.

"I think it's sad that people have to put their health at jeopardy to gain an advantage at some point in their career," A&M Head Coach Rob Childress said. "It's sad that the pressure of trying to be successful has made people make the decision that could affect the rest of their life. It's disappointing."

Former Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens was named in the Mitchell Report with specific examples of injections by personal trainer Brian McNamee. Since the release of the report, Clemens has adamantly denied the claims, even during a congressional hearing in February.

"I love Clemens, and I think he's one of the best," said Aggie pitcher Blake Rampy, a devout Astros and Nolan Ryan fan. "I hope he's telling the truth. I don't know what to think about it all. I think it's a problem in baseball. So many people have done it. They just need to move on and play the game again and get to where their testing is good."

Continued...

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