MLB and Performance-Enhancing Drugs: Past and Present

The question often asked is which MLB players used performance-enhancing drugs, but it might be more appropriate to ask: which players DIDN'T use such enhancements? The list is much shorter than expected, especially in light of the history of tobacco use by players, particularly nicotine.

Historical Use of Nicotine

Before 2016, nearly all players were thought to have used smokeless chewing tobacco, colloquially known as "chaw" or "dip." The ban of this substance led players to switch to nicotine pouches like Zyn. This switch has provided a performance boost, as nicotine enhances attention and increases heart rate and cardiac contractility. Nicotine is a sympathomimetic drug that also constricts cutaneous and coronary blood vessels, providing a natural performance enhancer.

While the long-term health effects of nicotine alone are not well-studied, there is a general consensus that it’s not beneficial. College and high school baseball players also use such substances, although at least the current version is much less ominous than in previous decades.

The Babe: Old School Efficacy

Babe Ruth’s era is a fascinating look into how players used to boost their performance without modern enhancements. Ruth’s habit included cigars, whiskey, and a ton of hot dogs. He would often quaff a few beers before games, a routine that was surprisingly popular among players. While these substances are still prohibited, they provide a glimpse into the cultural context of the sport during his time.

MLB’s Implementation and Enforcement of Banned Substance Policy

Major League Baseball (MLB) implemented its current banned substance policy on April 3, 2005, with testing beginning in 2004. Since then, there have been 82 violations, with steroids, amphetamines, and other banned drugs being the most common. Notable offenders include Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro, Manny Ramirez, and Fernando Tatis Jr. However, most offenders are marginal players, and no drug has been proven to give a player inherent talent.

The sport has been under the microscope regarding performance-enhancing drugs since 1935, with steroids being a prevalent substance at that time. The implementation of the current policy has significantly reduced the amount of drug use in MLB, although it's likely that many players of the 1930s and 1940s would have used steroids if they were available.

Weight Training and Muscularity

Until recently, baseball players were discouraged from lifting weights or getting too muscular. Early players like Harmon Killebrew engaged in weight training but faced threats from management, with fears of becoming "muscle-bound." Similarly, famous boxers like Joe Louis did not have the six-pack or massive biceps common to modern boxers. This cultural shift towards muscularity only began in the latter half of the 20th century, as the link between strength and performance in baseball became more recognized.

In conclusion, while the use of substances defines a certain era in baseball, the sport has made significant strides in its efforts to keep the game fair and clean. The journey from the era of nicotine to today's strict policies reflects the continuous evolution in how performance in MLB is measured and maintained.