Baseball is a sport rich with history, filled with unforgettable moments of triumph, legendary performances, and records that have stood the test of time. But alongside its celebrated achievements, the game has also been marred by controversy, with cheating scandals casting a long shadow over some of its biggest stars.
From the infamous steroid era, where performance-enhancing drugs gave certain players an unfair advantage, to elaborate sign-stealing schemes that shook the league, deception has played a role in shaping MLB history. While some players were caught and faced consequences, others managed to dodge significant punishment, leaving fans to debate the true legacy of their careers.
Jose Canseco
Jose Canseco admitted to using steroids and actually wrote a book exposing the prevalence of PEDs in baseball. Thankfully for him, he avoided punishment because he played before the MLB’s official testing era.
Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramirez was one of the most prolific hitters of his era, but he faced multiple suspensions for PED use during his career. However, he managed to continue his career following the suspensions.
Barry Bonds
When people think of MLB stars cheating, often the first player they think of is Barry Bonds. In fact, although he holds the MLB home run record, his use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) during the late 1990s and early 2000s has led many to question the legitimacy of his records.
Gaylord Perry
Gaylord Perry was known for using the spitball and other illegal pitches to gain an advantage on the mound. However, despite openly discussing his tricks, Perry barely faced any repercussions.
Roger Clemens
A dominant pitcher, Roger Clemens was linked to PEDs during his career. But, despite multiple accusations, Clemens denied using PEDs and never faced a suspension from MLB.
Jeff Bagwell
Although he was never directly tied to PEDs, rumors surrounded Jeff Bagwell throughout his career. In fact, some believe he benefited from the “steroid era,” but he has denied any involvement.
Mark McGwire
Known for his incredible power, Mark McGwire was key in bringing fans back to baseball during the home run race of 1998. However, he later admitted to using PEDs throughout his career.
Albert Belle
Albert Belle was known for his controversial actions, including an incident involving a corked bat. Though the incident was investigated, Belle never faced a suspension.
Jason Giambi
Jason Giambi admitted to using PEDs but managed to avoid suspension due to timing and a lack of testing policies. In fact, his honesty about using PEDs earned him some redemption among fans.
Rafael Palmeiro
Rafael Palmeiro infamously denied using PEDs before Congress, only to test positive shortly afterward. However, he played the majority of his career before the steroid crackdown.
Sammy Sosa
Alongside Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa captivated audiences during the 1998 home run chase. However, his connection to PEDs and an incident with a corked bat in 2003 have certainly affected his legacy.
Mike Schmidt
Mike Schmidt admitted he tried amphetamines, known as “greenies,” which were common in the 1970s and ’80s for boosting energy and focus. He faced no consequences, as those substances were widely accepted in the league at the time.
Willie Mays
Willie Mays is rumored to have used amphetamines throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s. However, it was never proven and he faced no serious consequences.
Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez admitted to using PEDs and was later suspended in 2014 for his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal. However, he did manage to avoid punishment in the early 2000s when PED testing and penalties were still in development.
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Yadier Molina
Yadier Molina was accused of using an illegal sticky substance on his catching gear, which allowed balls to stick to his chest protector. But, while there was video evidence, the MLB took no disciplinary action.
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Rick Honeycutt
Rick Honeycutt was caught with a thumbtack taped to his finger to scuff baseballs for better control. Although he was suspended, he still went on to have a successful pitching career.
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David Ortiz
David Ortiz reportedly tested positive for PEDs in a 2003 anonymous survey, though he was never suspended by MLB. But, despite the controversy, “Big Papi” remains a fan favorite.
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