The Bases Were Juiced

A new report shows that David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox and former Red Sox outfielder (now Dodger) Manny Ramirez tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during the 2004 season, in which they “beat” the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.

I’m not sure how much a legitimate victory it was, knowing now that they cheated their way to the top.

This isn’t new for Ramirez, however. A few weeks ago he finished serving a 50-game suspension for yet another drug violation in which he tested positive for steroids.

My hunch is that it’ll all be accepted by most baseball fans. You see, what I’ve noticed is that most fans are happy to see their guy use steroids to win but they hate seeing other teams’ players do the same thing.

Don’t believe me? Take a look at this image from a recent Dodgers game in which Manny Ramirez hit a pinch-hit grand slam. Did I happen to mention that it was also Manny Ramirez bobble-head doll night? Did I also mention that he got a standing ovation while he was rehabilitating at the triple-A level in New Mexico while finishing his 50-game suspension?

I don’t know about you, but a standing ovation from fans, a special section called “Mannywood,” and a bobble-head doll giveaway following a 50-game suspension for steroid use seems to suggest that people have embraced cheating as long as it helps their team win.

Reference“Ortiz Confirms He Tested Positive for PEDs in 2003.” AP/Fox Sports. 31 July 2009.

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