Stop the Presses

Given the events of the past 20 years in matters involving drugs and steroids, Major League Baseball needs to view the just-released Mitchell Report–a report the organization itself commissioned–as one of its last best chances to maintain its fan base and stem the cynicism that has been eroding the sport’s national appeal.

All along, Major League Baseball and the players’ union have appeared to deny that there was serious steroid use in its ranks, despite strong circumstantial evidence to the contrary. Even if baseball’s steroid problems weren’t as rampant as many believe, perception has become reality. Most fans–both casual and rabid–believe steroid use is pervasive throughout the league.

So what now, after the report?  First, Major League Baseball and the player’s union need to work together to publicly acknowledge that the sport has a drug problem that is bigger than they previously realized. Then, the two entities must take a forward-looking ‘no exceptions’ position to discipline players caught using steroids from now on. Because there are so many players implicated in the new report, the League literally cannot afford to look back. But it has little choice now when it comes to inflicting severe penalties on players who don’t follow the ‘no steroids’ rule from this point forward.

Next, Major League Baseball must find a way to protect its numbers–the game stats, seasonal stats and career stats–that lie at the heart and soul of baseball. Unlike football, basketball and NASCAR, which depend on sheer spectacle and the point-spread to hold their fans, baseball relies on the sanctity of its records to weave its special spell. Once those numbers become meaningless, professional baseball risks sinking to the level of the World Wrestling Federation.