1. The Steroid Era By: Lucas Qualman
How did the steroid era affect baseball’s regulations, its popularity, and US legislation?

2. What are Steroids? Controlled substance as of 1990
Used to better athletic ability
Multiple side effects
Type of performance-enhancing drug (PED) along with human growth hormone (HGH)

3. Beginning of an Era Jose Canseco was first known user
All illegal drugs banned by MLB in 1991
Testing began in 2001
Positive test only meant treatment

4. The BALCO Scandal Involved athletes from many sports
Led to stricter regulations in baseball
Early 2005 Steroid Rules:
1st positive test – 15 game suspension
2nd positive test – 30 game suspension
3rd positive test – 60 game suspension
4th positive test – 1 year suspension
5th positive test – commissioner’s discretion

5. “Three strikes and you’re out”
Bud Selig changes rules again in 2005
10 players have been caught under these rules
Current Steroid Rules:
1st positive test – 50 game suspension
2nd positive test – 100 game suspension
3rd positive test – lifetime ban

6. Mitchell Report Compiled by former Senator George Mitchell
20 month investigation
Found “a serious drug culture within baseball”
86 players named
7 MVPs and 31 All-stars
No suspension handed out

7. Popularity in 2004 Attendance up 14.4% in first 3 weeks
Average attendance 29,718 in 2004
Rays jump from last in attendance to eighth
Fans have negative opinion of steroids
Record crowds

8. Record Breaking Performances
1 home run per 91 at bats in Babe Ruth’s time
1 home run per 30 at bats in 1999
Mark McGwire battles Sammy Sosa for most home runs in a single season in 1998 & 1999
Barry Bonds sets most career home runs record in 2007

9. Memorabilia Sales Roger Maris game jersey from $100,000 to $350,000
Sosa rookie card from $120 to $15
McGwire rookie card from $250 to $30
Investors avoid current players

10. Player Opinion in 2005
79% believe steroids played a role in record-breaking performances
80.2% think less than half of players use PEDs
35% think steroid users should be stripped of records or have them denoted with an asterisk
69% feel punishments for being caught are severe enough

11. New Legislation Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004
Amended the Controlled Substance Act
Broader definition of steroids
John McCain introduces the Clean Sports Act of 2005
2 year ban for first positive test
Did not pass

12. From the Field to the Courtroom
Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds both indicted
Both for lying to congress
McGwire, Sosa, Canseco testify at congressional hearing on steroids

13. What was the Effect on Baseball?
Creation of new rules
Popularity increased while credibility decreased
New legislation and player prosecution