It was something that most baseball fans had speculated. However, most fans wanted to believe that Alex Rodriguez’s talent was natural and not chemically induced. Now, Sports Illustrated reports that there is empirical evidence of steroid use:

“In 2003, when he won the American League home run title and the AL Most Valuable Player award as a shortstop for the Texas Rangers, Alex Rodriguez tested positive for two anabolic steroids, four sources have independently told Sports Illustrated.”

link: Sources tell SI Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003

Undoubtedly, Alex Rodriguez will have media specialists and lawyers immediately in full damage-control mode. However, this story may go beyond Alex Rodriguez, his records and his reputation. There comes a point where the fans simply tire of this. Although they may love baseball, the cost to be a fan in the ball park is simply exorbitant. Baseball is challenged already to keep its fans buying tickets. And now most fans will believe that they are not watching natural baseball talent but they are witnessing which player is using the most efficient chemical cocktail. That’s just not baseball.

Catherine Forsythe