Young Ballplayers Affected by Big League Steroid Use

Baseball players like Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens and Manny Ramirez remain heroes to many Little Leaguers, but that doesn’t mean that these young adolescents are unaware of baseball’s steroid scandal or unwilling to condemn players who cheated to gain a competitive edge.

The Associated Press reported May 26 that 12- and 13-year-olds gathered for a recent tournament in South Williamsport, Pa., expressed disappointment, condemnation, and understanding when asked about stars’ admitted or alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.

“I feel (he) did a bad thing by taking drugs,” said Nathan Gerard, 13, of Detroit, referring to the acknowledged steroid use by his favorite ballplayer, the New York Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez.

Some players from Seattle chided Rodriguez both for his perceived disloyalty and cheating. “He left our team [the Seattle Mariners] for money, now he’s using steroids,” said 11-year-old Harald Hyllseth.

Jarrad Thompson, 12, an outfielder from Houston, said Roger Clemens — currently under grand-jury investigation for allegedly lying to Congress about his use of steroids — was still his hero. “You know, everyone needs a second chance. He messed up,” said Thompson.

Jeron “Bookie” Gates, a former minor-league baseball player now coaching a Seattle Little League team, told his players that he once inadvertently took a banned substance while playing baseball in college. “We can point the finger at A-Rod. But he may not have known,” Gates said. “He may not have known that what he was taking was a banned substance. But then again, he may know. We never know the full details.”

Gates said the scandals could help raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use — something Little League also is trying to do by partnering with the “I Won’t Cheat Foundation,” founded by former National League MVP Dale Murphy. All players at this year’s Little League World Series will wear “I Won’t Cheat” patches on their uniforms and will be encouraged to sign a pledge not to use performance-enhancing drugs or take shortcuts in other aspects of life.

“You have to look at those who are (role models) and distinguish the good and the bad,” Murphy said. “When you do things against the rules, it doesn’t matter who you are.”