|
Last Updated: 03/03/2005
The Rockbridge Report is produced
under the supervision of the Dept. of Journalism and Mass Communications
at Washington and Lee University.
Reporting supervisors: Prof. Doug Cumming
Technical supervisor:
|
SPORTS
Is America's pastime poisoned?
By Brett Strohsacker In light of the recent steroid allegations by former slugger Jose Canseco, it would be natural for fans to grow embittered towards a game that has been a major part of American culture for over a century. The records that have been shattered, the towering homeruns, and the players we hold dear to us have all been tainted by the possibility that steroids have been behind them. Earlier this month, Canseco called out players such as Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds, claiming that he either knows for a fact they used steroids, or that he is highly suspicious of their use. This controversy has grown over the years, finally peaking with Canseco’s allegations. Surprisingly, this controversy hasn’t turned fans away. In fact, attendance has actually increased over the past few seasons. According to ODAC umpire John Salem, the main reason for this continued support is genuine love for the game. "I think that people that go out and watch baseball love the game," says Salem. "You have to love the game to watch baseball." Fans who love the game say they will attend no matter what. Washington and Lee’s Athletic Director, Mike Walsh, feels the same way. "I love the sport of baseball," he admitted. To Walsh, the biggest downside to substance abuse is not in the way the game is viewed, but rather, in the way the players are viewed. "A long time ago, I gave up looking at professional athletes as role models," says Walsh. "I wish that they were, but that is not the case." Salem believes that it is the pure players, however, that are keeping the game alive. "The players that don’t [use steroids] are keeping the integrity of the game," he explains. Walsh and Salem were two of the 650 fans who made it out to Cap’n Dick Smith Field last weekend, to watch the Washington and Lee Baseball team sweep two double headers. Though the fan base is much smaller than that of the majors, they are drawn to the game for the same reasons. Walsh and Salem hope that Division III schools like W&L won’t even be affected by performance enhancing drugs like steroids. "There is no evidence of steroid use at this division three level. I think the kids that play at this level play for the game and they love it," says Salem. Even with this recent controversy, there is still plenty of purity left in the great American pastime, and even more reason to believe it will only get better. As long as it continues to be played, there is a place for it in the heart of every true fan.
|
|
