Why Shouldn't the MLB Allow Baseball Players to Use Steroids When It Clearly Makes the Game More Exciting?

Those who argue that Major League Baseball (MLB) should allow steroid use might view it as a straightforward solution: it boosts player performance, making the game more exciting. However, this rationale overlooks several critical issues that could fundamentally change the essence of baseball. Let's delve into why allowing steroids might not be the best option for the sport.

Health Risks and Fairness

The primary argument against steroid use is its impact on player health and overall fairness. Steroids enable players to perform beyond their natural limits, but such performance comes at a significant health cost. The health risks associated with steroid use have been well-documented, including issues like heart disease, liver damage, and mental health problems. Moreover, it creates an uneven playing field between players who use steroids and those who do not. Health risks aside, the very idea of a rule that forces players to choose between their health and continued career can be morally questionable.

Dynamic Shift in the Sport

The introduction of steroids can drastically alter the dynamic of the game. For instance, pitching would become overwhelmingly dominant. Good pitching ability would surpass batting prowess, leading to a decline in overall offense. To counteract this, the MLB might need to implement rule changes such as increasing the pitching mound height or moving the pitching rubber backward. These alterations, however, would nullify the advantages gained through steroid use. Once more offense-friendly rules are implemented, the steroid users might lose their edge, creating a vicious cycle of rule changes and countermeasures.

Impact on the Fan Experience

A sponge in the game quickly turns when steroid use becomes prevalent. Increased pitching speeds and enhanced batting power would lead to balls traveling faster off the bat, potentially leading to more serious player injuries or even fatalities. This increase in strikeouts and reduced homeland outcomes could make the game feel monotonous, as battering for home runs becomes the norm. Fans, instead of marveling at small ball tactics, bunts, and base steals, might find themselves caught in repetitive, unexciting innings. The game's shift from a more tactical, skill-based play to a power-hitting dominant one could detract significantly from the overall enjoyment:

“Strikeout / ground out / home run / strikeout. Now that’s a boring inning. That’s what baseball is evolving into.”

Instead of focusing on small ball, which depends on skill, strategy, and finesse, baseball would revert to a more muscle-bound, power-hitting spectacle. This shift could diminish the value of traditional skills and strategies, making the game feel less exciting to many fans.

Healthier Alternatives to Consider

To address the desire for increased entertainment value, the MLB could explore more equitable and healthier solutions. For instance, rule changes such as eliminating the foul bunt rule and moving the pitching mound back slightly could help control the increased strikeout rate. Other changes like reverting to a ball with higher seams could balance out the home run power, ensuring a more dynamic and thrilling game without resorting to harmful substances.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the MLB should not facilitate or condone the use of performance-enhancing drugs. These substances pose serious health risks and create an unlevel playing field. Instead, the league should focus on rule changes and other strategies that enhance the fan experience without compromising the health and safety of its players. After all, the true essence of baseball lies in the individual and collective skills of its players, not in substances that can distort the sport's fundamental nature.