Can Steroids Boost Economy?

I’ve posted about the steroids scandal in professional baseball. (Click here, here, here, and here.) We’re inclined to link steroids to big name stars. As indicated by newly released evidence from an investigation of a California doctor who allegedly distributed steroids like a pediatrician offers treats to young patients, steroids were used by stars, worn-down athletes desperate to perform well enough to keep playing a few more years, and mere minor leaguers.

It wasn’t difficult to get steroids before professional baseball toughened its drug-testing policy in 2003. The California doctor in question “examined” patients over the phone and then sent them steroids with needles to inject themselves. Although this sounds a bit loosey-goosey, it was an upgrade for some players who were using veterinary steroids obtained in Mexico.

The doctor is unapologetic. “These players benefited from restoration, not performance enhancement . . . . Seroids don’t make . . . you a better athlete.” Uh-huh.

Let’s see. The Babe’s record of 60 home runs in a single season stood from 1927 to 1961 when Roger Maris hit 61. That record stood until Mark McGwire hit 70 in 1998, falling back to 65 in 1999. Sammy Sosa hit 66 in 1998, 63 in 1999, and 64 in 2001. A-Rod hit 57 in 2002, 16 less than Barry Bonds’ record 73 in 2001. After the ’03 crackdown, the home run leaders have hit 47, 48, 51, 58 (equaled by Jimmie Foxx in 1931 and Hank Greenberg in 1938), 54 and 48.

We’ve got a worn-down economy. Employees of all stripes are desperate for a turnaround. I’m guessing some might consider steroids, especially when they learn the California doctor wrote prescriptions for steroids and human growth hormones to baseball players, business executives, police officers and others. Economy’s down. Batter up?