Before I go too far here, I completely respect Tommy John. He loves baseball and had an opportunity to extend his career by bravely going through the surgery. However, I do wonder today when it seems every other pitcher in the major leagues has gone through what is now called "Tommy John surgery". Pitchers are claiming their arms are stronger after the surgery than ever before.
Pitchers have it tough. Baseball fans tend to love lots of offense so pitching stars don't measure up in popularity as hitting stars do. Throwing a baseball 90 mph repeatedly is not a natural motion for a human being. Damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones are commonplace, even before a pitcher gets to the major leagues. But now, it seems that when a young pitcher gets his first pitching injury, they go for the "Tommy John surgery". As I watch the World Series, I heard the announcer mention how White Sox pitcher Jenks has a "bionic arm" due to his surgery.
Steroids aren't for pitchers since bulking up only inhibits their ability to pitch. So the surgery seems to be their answer to hitter's supplementing themselves. Let's see if this becomes a similar issue as the steroid problem.
7 comments:
Here is my thing with steriods. I just have one question: Who, other then the user, does it hurt?
It makes a statement to teenagers that it's worth it to screw up your life for a few years of success in professional sports. Steroids have become a problem at the high school sports level. Lyle Alzado, the former Raider who died from steroid use campaigned heavily in the last years of his life to teenagers telling them what a horrible mistake he made.
Also, it hurts the sport considerably. Nobody even wants to give Barry Bonds his due anymore because of his suspected use of steroids. I, for one, watched a lot less baseball over the past years because I strongly disliked the glorifying of Giambi, Bonds, Sosa et. al. I prefer to marvel a player's true abilities and accomplishments.
HEre is my thing. If it sends a message the teenagers PARENTS need to be there to stop them. We've have talked about education beginning at the home.
I completely agree with that but you can use the same logic to justify legalizing heroin and cocaine.
problem is with that statement is Herion and cocaine when someone is strung out on that they can and do hurt other people a lot of times.
Like cocaine, heroin, and alcohol, steroids can be devastating not only to the individual who abuses, but also to the friends and family.
Again, I must state that it also hurts the sport, and perhaps sports in general. When East Germany and Russia were featuring "women" who looked like they shaved every morning in the Olympics from 1972 to 1980, we condemned them for their use of these substances. Now, it's Marion Jones and Jerome Young who are tarnishing America's athletic program.
Problem is people cheat all the time and get away with that.
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