This past Sunday, former Astros and Padres star Ken Caminiti, the 1996 National League MVP, died of an apparent heart attack at the premature age of 41.
To realistic fans in the world of baseball, however, this tragic news should not come as a shock. Though most people would prefer to remember him for his fearless play on the field, it is impossible to ignore his chronic problems off it. His involvement with cocaine and steroids will forever taint his 15 seasons in the majors, and rightfully so.
In an era where we are forced to question some of baseball's most storied records, it is players like Caminiti who provide the evidence for the dispute.
In May 2002, Caminiti told Sports Illustrated that he used steroids during his MVP season, when he hit a career-high .326 with 40 home runs and 130 RBI. Upon his \brave"" confession, he then estimated that half of the players in the league were doping just as he had.
His parting remark was not to address the problem that exists and attempt to correct the issue, but rather a cowardly effort to save face and bring others down in his fall.
Steroid scrutiny has reached an all-time peak this season as some of baseball's household names such as Bonds, Sheffield and Giambi all found themselves at the center of controversy. All have repeatedly denied the accusations, though many wonder if they will suffer the same fate as the Caminiti.
The troubling part of this story is that the bulk of the quotes and news around the league go out of their way to mask his steroid use and portray him as one of ""baseball's ultimate ironmen."" The opposite is true, as Caminiti knowingly tarnished America's pasttime, and as a result should be an example of the results of steroid abuse.
I will hold my judgment on the players that have been accused today, but pictures of Bonds and Caminiti in their early seasons compared to pictures in the later days are eerily similar. Players that started as base-stealing, all-around athletes have transformed into one-dimensional power threats.
Also, Giambi, who had reportedly battled an undisclosed virus all season long after entering the exhibition, and was eventually diagnosed with a benign tumor, and began the season noticeably smaller, was recently left off the active roster for the playoffs this week. One can only wonder if he has been suffering from the effects of steroid withdrawal, after kicking the habit due to the heightened allegations.
If we continue to justify banning Pete Rose from the Hall of Fame, the same must be done for those who have tested positive for steroid use. Rose's actions hurt the game of baseball far less than those who decide to tilt the playing field to their advantage.
Though I assume that Caminiti's estimation that half the league is doping was quite inflated, the problem is realistic. Baseball is facing a legitimate problem that is far greater than gambling or a tie in the All-Star game.
If the integrity of the sport is in question, it destroys everything that it holds true: its tradition. Baseball built its foundation on its prolific players and the astonishing records they accumulate. If steroids are allowed to become prevalent in the league, two records books may be necessary: The ""Pure"" and ""Steroid"" Eras.
Many players will in all likelihood finish their careers without being caught, but the death of Caminiti should be a haunting image in their minds of what may lie in their future.
-Jon is a junior and is majoring in English and journalism. Though the Herald demananded to be tested for steroids after his play in the football game, he's off the juice. He can be reached at jrmcnamara@wisc.edu
