When it comes to the world of sport, these three words are intertwined. An athlete’s reputation dictates an image. That image is based on how an athlete is perceived. This perception determines the reputation. When one is manipulated, all three go out the window.
The business that is Major League Baseball shouldn’t be any different. Or so it would seem.
Reputation.
In recent years, speculation over performance enhancing drugs has been at an all-time high. But how has this affected the reputation of Major League Baseball and its players? I think fans understand that the game makes the player; the player doesn’t make the game.
In the wake of the Congress hearings on steroids in baseball in 2005, Mark McGwire pleaded the Fifth when it came to answering questions on his alleged drug abuse during his playing days. The baseball world came down on him as if he just committed a war crime. Jayson Stark, a senior writer for ESPN, used a superb analogy, in a column he wrote about the proceedings, to explain public perception of McGwire’s “reputation.” Stark on McGwire, “Once, he was compared to Babe Ruth,” Stark says. “Thursday, he was compared to Enron.” Imagine being viewed on the level of the Bambino, then after not answering a few simple questions, being treated as if he conspired to create one of the worst scandals in U.S. history. It makes me think, was Enron really the worst?
Image.
“Image is everything.” The catchphrase made famous by a punk rock, long-haired Andre Agassi still holds true, especially in a time of enormous salaries and bloated egos. Real men playing a game. Big bank accounts and financial security on the line, but still a game. The only question is, is it a game of life or death?
There have been multiple stories reported of young, impressionable teenagers using steroids and the negative affects the drugs have on their bodies. In some cases, these young athletes have committed what’s commonly referred to as “steroid induced suicide.” In such cases, teenagers snap and take their own life.
What’s the point? Barry Bonds, and his massive frame, hits home run after home run into McCovey Cove and he’s loved for it. Sammy Sosa, and his bulging biceps, swings a lumber stick with basically one hand, the ball flies onto Waveland Avenue and he becomes a hero. Meanwhile, little Billy watches on TV in amazement, hoping that people will love him the way they love Bonds and Sosa.
Image is everything.
Perception.
The perception of baseball has reached new levels of mediocrity. For argument sake, let’s say Alex Rodriguez is on pace for 77 home runs, being trailed by Albert Pujols, who’s on pace for 75. What’s the first question we will be asking ourselves? Is BALCO back in business?
It’s extremely unfortunate for the game that comparisons to Bond’s achievements (and I use the word achievements lightly, possibly with an asterisk to make the naysayer’s happy) will be what we see on SportsCenter and read on our favorite sports website. The perception of the game has changed dramatically. There’s always that thought embedded in the brain on whether a player used performance-enhancing drugs. Does he look bigger? Are veins popping out of his neck? He used to hit 15 homers a year, now it’s 35. It’s anyone’s guess how Major League Baseball will respond to this problem.
Reputation. Image. Perception.
R.I.P.
Rest in peace, little Billy.
This article appears in February 1 • 2008.