MLB
Doping almost completely eradicated from Major League Baseball
For a long time, baseball was considered one of the sports where the most prohibited substances were consumed. That’s no longer the case.
For decades, Major League Baseball has been synonymous with controversy and scandal due to doping. Icons of the game such as Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez and Roger Clemens have seen their reputations tarnished by the use of banned substances.
Today, however, the landscape has changed dramatically. According to a recent report released by the MLB and the Players Association, doping appears to have been almost completely eradicated from the sport.
In the year that culminated with the World Series, only two positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs resulted in disciplinary action.
2024 MLB doping test numbers in full
In total, 11,609 tests were conducted, including 9,455 urine samples and 2,154 blood samples for human growth hormone. That number is slightly lower than the previous year’s record of 11,783 samples, but still represents the third-highest total in MLB history.
Independent Program Administrator Thomas M. Martin noted that the level of testing and the thoroughness of the process have been crucial to maintaining the integrity of the sport. Offseason testing has also increased, with 1,706 urine tests and 407 blood tests conducted between 2023 and 2024.
Of the players on 40-man rosters, only Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte and Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martinez tested positive.
Marte was suspended for the first 80 games of 2024 after testing positive for boldenone, while Martinez received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for clomiphene two days after his major league debut.
MLB gets tough on doping
In contrast to the dark era of doping, when legendary names like Bonds and Rodriguez were constantly linked to steroid use, baseball today finds itself in a new era of transparency and purity. The scandals of the past served as a painful reminder of the costs of doping, both in terms of health and reputation.
The MLB has implemented one of the strictest drug testing programs in professional sports. The consistent discipline and vigilance has paid off, reducing violations and raising confidence in the fairness of the game. Players now understand that the risk of getting caught far outweighs any potential short-term performance benefits.
Despite progress, the past remains a shadow. The legacy of players like Bonds, whose home run record still sparks debate, and Clemens, whose pitching career was marred by doping allegations, is a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant.
Cleaning up the sport not only benefits current and future players, but it also restores the faith of fans. Fans can once again get excited about every home run and every pitch, knowing they are witnessing pure, non-artificially enhanced skill.
Major League Baseball has come a long way since the dark days of doping. With rigorous testing and an unwavering commitment to integrity, the sport has emerged stronger and cleaner. Past mistakes have served as valuable lessons, and the future of the game is bright.