I have no idea whether baseball has the will to reform and police itself properly. If their bottom line remains strong and their fan base doesn't fade away, what will be their incentive to reform themselves? We teach our kids that actions have consequences. Otherwise, why bother to stop at the red light or pay taxes? In that regard, baseball is a reflection of our own values and integrity. We may not like what we see, but the mirror doesn't lie.
The obstacles facing baseball are, admittedly, formidable. But, the industry has an opportunity to begin turning things around. They can start by reframing the issue as a challenge to be overcome, rather than an excuse to do nothing. While it's true that the entire world of sports seems to be engaged in this cheating, that still doesn't make it right or acceptable.
Baseball can choose to create its own island of sanity. The first step is to get everyone -- commissioner, owners, management, players and players association, coaches and trainers -- on the same page. While this will not be easy, it is imperative if the industry is serious about cleaning up its act. Together, the various parties must agree on clear guidelines and back them up with no-nonsense, non-negotiable consequences for infractions. Those in the upper echelons of management have been notoriously ambivalent about drug use and what to do about it. But, as in the corporate world, those at the top set the tone and everything follows from there. The hard part will be defining those guidelines and sticking with them. Expect a period of transition while everyone adjusts to the new policy, but as time passes and everyone can see that it is being administered consistently and impartially, it will be accepted as the norm.
Thus, baseball will regain its good name and can go back to doing what the public pays it to do -- playing ball. And, who knows? Perhaps baseball's makeover will inspire other sports and other nations to try it, too. True winners are used to challenges and obstacles. Their long climb to the top has been filled with them. They have already demonstrated their fortitude, dedication, single-mindedness, and love for the sport. They could put that collective, indomitable spirit to work solving this intractable problem. That would truly be a win-win for athletes, teams, fans and society as a whole. I say, go for it!
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