is Ken Griffey Jr the only clean superstar homer hitter from roid era?

majorflux · January 13, 2010 5:08AM

Is he the only one left?

I mean there isn't any allegation for Junior yet..please tell me no

larryallen73 · January 13, 2010 5:08AM

I have a feeling a couple of FANATICS on this board might suggest another player is clean.

Ahmanfan · January 13, 2010 5:10AM

frank thomas?

cwazzy · January 13, 2010 5:10AM

I think it's pretty naive to believe with absolute certainty that anyone in this era is clean. I hope Griffey is clean. But would I be shocked if he wasn't? Nope.

ROCKDJRW · January 13, 2010 5:13AM

Maybe I am blind to reality but I have always believed Frank Thomas was clean as well.

leathtech · January 13, 2010 5:21AM

<< I think it's pretty naive to believe with absolute certainty that anyone in this era is clean. I hope Griffey is clean. But would I be shocked if he wasn't? Nope. >>

I agree he has played a long time and has come back from a lot of injuries in the 2000's - I would not be shocked to hear that Jr took something at some point. I hope not since I really like Jr but nothing in baseball would surprise me anymore (and part of me no longer really cares about the issue)

richtree · January 13, 2010 5:26AM

Griffey took winstrol and broke his arm on his boat while drinking.

Many minor leaguers that played with him seem to think he was on the sauce too.

I know they are rumors that I heard, but came from decent sources. IE, minor leaguers and low level pros.

lsutigers1973 · January 13, 2010 5:27AM

I have a feeling I have heard this before somewhere around here.

perkdog · January 13, 2010 5:27AM

I bet he was on them in 1998 during that fabled "HR Chase" Ofcourse it wouldnt suprise me either way- and that goes for any player.. Thomas, Ripken, Pujols ect.. ect.. ect..

shagrotn77 · January 13, 2010 5:35AM

<< I think it's pretty naive to believe with absolute certainty that anyone in this era is clean. I hope Griffey is clean. But would I be shocked if he wasn't? Nope. >>

I was going to say exactly this, but you beat me to it. If I had to bet money on what star players I thought most likely never did PEDs, I'd say Jeter and Ichiro, but there is no one you can 100% rule out. If I were a star player from the steroids era who put up great stats and never touched anything, man would I be ticked.

Incidentally, if the steroids era is over, as MLB would like us all to believe, does that mean we've officially transitioned to the HGH era? Is Bud Selig going to tell us all in 5 or 10 years how shocked he was to find out that guys like Pujols were on HGH?

CSUrunandstun · January 13, 2010 5:36AM

I would think Jim Thome is clean...I have never heard his name brought up at any time in any context in regard to PEDs.

sportscardtheory · January 13, 2010 5:37AM

Unless I hear a source or know about proof, a player is clean to me. I have never heard anything about Griffey Jr., Thomas, Delgado or Thome. Clearly it's not out of the realm of possibility, but I don't see any reason to believe they did.

Ironmanfan · January 13, 2010 5:44AM

Brandon Fahey

richtree · January 13, 2010 5:48AM

Honestly, I don't know why the media harps on this issue as much as they do.

I spoke my piece on this issue in an old post.

Really, would anyone care if you heard David Eckstien was on the Sauce for years?

or What if Aaron Boone says he was when he hit the homer off of Wakefield (he def was) with his brother Brett Boone.

This was a socialological problem where the players shouldn't be crucified for the past. Baseball seems to get off scott free for not testing and being proactive during one of the most rampant drug abuse era's of the time.

Baseball's past iconic figures gain luster because this problem wasn't around then.

We know the major of the players tried this and it was part of the times. I am sure there are some players that only used items from GNC, but if you are a fitness person you know have of the items even sold LEGALLY are off the market now because of there "steriod" similiarities,

Ie andro, GH, IGF, T1, superdrol tons of stuff.

JHS5120 · January 13, 2010 6:05AM

I am putting this era out of my head. I hope Griffey is clean because he is my favorite player from the period (he used to be second behind Clemens). It is unfortunate that he will be overlooked in future years because his prime was overshadowed by Bonds, Sosa and McGwuire (all juicers). He is a sure fire HoFer and only when he gets into the Hall of Fame will people look past non Hall of Famers Bonds, Sosa and Mcgwuire and recognize Griffey as the best thing that came from the 90's.

Guru · January 13, 2010 6:09AM

Well I can tell you from a reliable source that Eckstein has never done that stuff.

TheHun · January 13, 2010 6:15AM

Was Allen Knicely juiced ... 'cause if hew was, I want my Mickey Mantle back

cwazzy · January 13, 2010 6:15AM

<< Well I can tell you from a reliable source that Eckstein has never done that stuff. >>

I've always liked Eckstein. He was my favorite player when he was with the Cardinals.

billwaltonsbeard · January 13, 2010 6:19AM

<< Was Allen Knicely juiced ... 'cause if hew was, I want my Mickey Mantle back >>

His beard and shades were

MeteoriteGuy · January 13, 2010 6:34AM

I have taken steriods likely 200-300 times. True story.

Of course these where breathing treatments and the like. I got sick around when I was 17 and was in the hopsital for like three weeks. Then every year, the same time of year, it happened again, but less so, for like 7-8 years.

I have a neighbor is a Navy pilot....according to him, he is given steroids on any mission that is not take off and touch down.

Break a bone....get prescribed steriods.

Meaning, there are 100s of valid uses of steroids. Even for ball players. Perhaps those that hate the steroid era so much should use "PED" instead of the world steroid?

VintageCardLover · January 13, 2010 6:50AM

Frank Thomas, Jim Thome, true sluggers, true class guys.

richtree · January 13, 2010 6:51AM

<< I have taken steriods likely 200-300 times. True story.q]

are you sure they are "anabolic steriods"

and not corticosteroids ???

very rarely people get "anabolic steriods" unless it is T-gel ... and usually that is very, very low levels....

BunchOBull · January 13, 2010 7:01AM

<< I have a feeling a couple of FANATICS on this board might suggest another player is clean. >>

Am I on that list?

Hmm, I will say, I would be absolutely shocked if Frank Thomas has ever abused steroids. If it came to pass that he did, I'd have no desire to collect him anymore.

As a child, one thing I admired about him was his stance on drugs. As early as 1992 he is recorded as having asked the MLB to crack down on the MLBPA and inforce drug testing.

To be as large of a man as he is, you never hear his name mentioned with steroid use. I think that's telling of his place in baseball and a general belief that he did infact do "things the right way."

Stone193 · January 13, 2010 7:05AM

Nothing will surprise me anymore.

Thomas and Griffey are two of my favorites from that time frame - but both have had their problems with injuries - and no one wants to retire too quickly - I could see someone being tempted to connect the dots.

mike

larryallen73 · January 13, 2010 7:09AM

<>

Am I on that list?

No, you are not on that list. Think shrines with game used jock straps.

gumbyfan · January 13, 2010 7:34AM

Craig Counsell is probably clean.

MeteoriteGuy · January 13, 2010 7:44AM

<< 

<< I have taken steriods likely 200-300 times. True story.q]

are you sure they are "anabolic steriods"

and not corticosteroids ???

very rarely people get "anabolic steriods" unless it is T-gel ... and usually that is very, very low levels.... >>

I am not a steroid expert so I will guess you are correct, but that doesn't really change what I said. Every time they were given to me the doctors or nurses usually of course, would say they were steroids. I am sure google would show what they put in breathing treatments.

However, we keep saying steriods and we should likely be saying PEDs, which is what we mean right?

I imagine at least 95% of the list would agree there are valid uses of steroids.

Mark

shagrotn77 · January 13, 2010 8:09AM

Anabolic steroids and corticosteroids are two completely different things.

lsutigers1973 · January 13, 2010 8:12AM

Craig McMurtry was either clean or he was doing it wrong.

lsutigers1973 · January 13, 2010 8:12AM

I just combined this thread with the glasses bigger thread.

bigwilli · January 13, 2010 8:17AM

Clean.....Chipper Jones.

MeteoriteGuy · January 13, 2010 8:22AM

<< Anabolic steroids and corticosteroids are two completely different things. >>

After a quick google...I agree. But that is kind of my point. Corticosteroids is a class of steroid hormones...but it still a steroid. So I guess dont you think we should be saying anabolic steroids or simply PEDs, rather then steroids...many which have medically valid and legal uses.

cincyredlegs · January 13, 2010 8:25AM

I don't believe that Griffey was taking roids (at least I hope not).

I am not as bothered by the steroid issue as far as players numbers are concerned. What about all the players in the 60's and 70's that were taking greenies? Did they have an unfair advantage? Or better yet, what about Gaylord Perry? He was one of the most obvious cheaters in the last 50 years. He probably wouldn't have gotten to 300 wins w/out all the vasoline and sandpaper. And this guy is in the HOF. How many other HOF pitchers did the same thing but was never caught? Who knows.

I think in every era, players will cheat or push the line as far as they can to get ahead. I remember Mike Schmidt saying in an interview that he might have taken them if he played in that era.

At the end of the day, it is each players responsiblity for what they do but shame on MLB and especially Selig for ignoring the issue in the face of the almight dollar.

frankhardy · January 13, 2010 8:34AM

Albert Pujols is clean. He said so.

(Please don't make me edit this and put a winking icon at the end of my statement)

RonBurgundy · January 13, 2010 8:35AM

THERE SHOULD BE NO LYING IN BASEBALL!

NickM · January 13, 2010 8:47AM

I'm still putting my faith in Juan Pierre (though I'd bet Eckstein is clean too).

Nick

WinPitcher · January 13, 2010 8:50AM

Predisone is a corticosteroid. I had to take them 2x in my life and both times I wanted to kill people.

They are not the steroids that the players were taken. they are mainly used as a anti inflammatory.

Steve

summerof68 · January 13, 2010 8:55AM

The "steriod era" is old news. The shrewd major leaguers with the most to lose (biggest contracts) transitioned from steriods to HGH years ago. We are now in the "HGH era" where there is no specific testing and the players who are currently using are doing so with impunity and no chance of being caught.

The fun part now is to guess which current superstars have made this transition...and you can bet your last dollar they are several of them.

Pigs · January 13, 2010 8:55AM

Is Dale Murphy considered being from the roid era? If so, he's a home run hitter as clean as the day is long.

gonzer · January 13, 2010 8:59AM

I'm sure that Jim Thome fits the bill. No sudden 50+ seasons, just consistency and longevity.

dfr52 · January 13, 2010 9:55AM

<< Frank Thomas, Jim Thome, true sluggers, true class guys. >>

I agree on those two as well. They never really bulked up and were always pretty large individuals.

PoppaJ · January 13, 2010 9:55AM

The "steroid era" began way before the '80s or '90s. Steroids, in one shape or another, have been around since the days men started competing in sports.

Yep, even in the 1950's, '60s and especially the '70s!

I can remember my father and his friends talking about anabolic steroids invading sports, especially football, in the ’50s to the’70s.

If you get a chance, read the book pictured below .... A great read and pretty interesting in the least!

I can also remember when the Russian athletes started to pummel everyone's butts in the olympics, especially weightlifting, and were finally suspected of taking enhanced substances.

How about Ivan Drago in Rocky IV? Was he juiced or what?

Do the fans really care who does and who doesn't take 'em? Probably not so much if the guys that do, are on their team and happen to win a series or bowl.

Steroids or its likeness will be around for a long, long time to come.

I'm not pro-steroids by any means; I'm just in yawn-mode over it all.

JMHO,
PoppaJ

MeteoriteGuy · January 13, 2010 10:18AM

<< The "steroid era" began way before the '80s or '90s. Steroids, in one shape or another, have been around since the days men started competing in sports.

Yep, even in the 1950's, '60s and especially the '70s!

I can remember my father and his friends talking about anabolic steroids invading sports, especially football, in the ’50s to the’70s.

If you get a chance, read the book pictured below .... A great read and pretty interesting in the least!

I can also remember when the Russian athletes started to pummel everyone's butts in the olympics, especially weightlifting, and were finally suspected of taking enhanced substances.

How about Ivan Drago in Rocky IV? Was he juiced or what?

Do the fans really care who does and who doesn't take 'em? Probably not so much if the guys that do, are on their team and happen to win a series or bowl.

Steroids or its likeness will be around for a long, long time to come.

I'm not pro-steroids by any means; I'm just in yawn-mode over it all.

JMHO,
PoppaJ

>>

I think we finally have someone who hit the jackpot.

The funny thing is that steroids is the old drug. Which again, why I am saying we should use the PED (performance enhancing drugs) if that is what we are referring to. Think about it now. If you are an athlete and wanted to use a PED, would you use one of the drugs that is on the list of things MLB will test you for, or one of the PEDs that they can not test you for, thank you players union.

gemmintrarities · January 13, 2010 10:34AM

<< 

<< Anabolic steroids and corticosteroids are two completely different things. >>

After a quick google...I agree. But that is kind of my point. Corticosteroids is a class of steroid hormones...but it still a steroid. So I guess dont you think we should be saying anabolic steroids or simply PEDs, rather then steroids...many which have medically valid and legal uses. >>

I don't mean to sound rude, but I don't think anyone who knows the difference(which are most people) is going to need to have the anabolic part thrown in. It is clear what type they are talking about.

metsfan · January 13, 2010 11:28AM

<< The "steriod era" is old news. The shrewd major leaguers with the most to lose (biggest contracts) transitioned from steriods to HGH years ago. We are now in the "HGH era" where there is no specific testing and the players who are currently using are doing so with impunity and no chance of being caught.

The fun part now is to guess which current superstars have made this transition...and you can bet your last dollar they are several of them. >>

Gotta agree with that. Without testing, why wouldn't players use HGH? When they get testing for HGH, the players will move on to something else.

WinPitcher · January 13, 2010 12:04PM

Poppa is right, look up a player named Pud Galvin (HOF) and you will see he did steroids (Animal testosterone in 1888!)

Did all the players use? No, but all are under suspicion.

IMO Griffey, Thome, Thomas and Mcgriff were probably clean or cleanest.

Steve

majorflux · January 13, 2010 12:15PM

<< 

IMO Griffey, Thome, Thomas and Mcgriff were probably clean or cleanest.

Steve >>

What's the difference between clean or cleanest?

clean - no roid
cleanest - no roid, no vitamin water or gummy vite?

TomGshotput · January 13, 2010 1:32PM

All we know for sure is many used drugs and many didn't. Playing the guessing game without any evidence is almost always stupid

fkw · January 13, 2010 1:34PM

I wouldnt say he is clean, he just never has had proof against him.

He started right when the Steroids era started to take off, and Im sure he had many opportunities ....

I played high level ball in the mid 1980's (drafted by Expos in 1985) and I saw alot of Steroid experimentation by a good % of the younger players I played against in Cal. It was very easy to go across the border into Mexico back then and get all you need from the local pharmacy.

IMO, Many of you should just drop the issue if it bothers you, Steroids was all over the place 15-25 years ago, and Im sure Canseco was 100% correct from what I saw myself.

Steroids help a player recover from injury or a workout faster, they dont Make the player.

Bonds was always a great player, not because of the 'roids.

It Was the Steroid Era, not unlike the Greenies Era of the 1950-60s, Cocaine of the 1980s and 1900s, etc.

PS Pitchers these guys faced used them too, so .....

lsutigers1973 · January 13, 2010 1:36PM

<< Is Dale Murphy considered being from the roid era? If so, he's a home run hitter as clean as the day is long. >>

I heart you

WinPitcher · January 13, 2010 1:55PM

the difference is maybe they tried it a few times, thus they were cleaner then guys who did it all the time.

Steve

is Ken Griffey Jr the only clean superstar homer hitter from roid era?

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