When former MLB star Jose Canseco claimed steroids could propel mediocre players to become MLB superstars
In February 2005, MLB star Jose Canseco appeared on the show "60 Minutes." In an incredible interview, Caseco claimed steroids could propel mediocre baseball players to become MLB superstars.
Canseco's bold statements about endorsing PEDs openly were a shock to many. It suggested that players who were not naturally talented could use PEDs to gain an unfair advantage over their peers. Here's how he put it:
"I don't recommend steroids for everyone, and I don't recommend growth hormones for everyone. But for certain individuals, I truly believe, because I've experimented with it for so many years, that it can make an average athlete a super athlete. It can make a super athlete --incredible. Just legendary."
Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire along with teammates crushing Bud Lights in the clubhouse. Buddy behind Mark feeling the after effects of pitching more than 5 innings https://t.co/AH9UcCoNHD
"Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire along with teammates crushing Bud Lights in the clubhouse. Buddy behind Mark feeling the after effects of pitching more than 5 innings." - Baseball History Nut
Canseco made a name for himself as one of the best power hitters in the game. He won the World Series twice, in 1989 with the Oakland Athletics and with the New York Yankees in 2000. Plus, Canseco made baseball history in 1988 when he became the first player to ever hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season.
Canseco's tryst with steroids is a controversial saga. He has been known to use PEDs for his entire MLB career. Thus, all his MLB milestones are mere steroid-fueled achievements.
Steroids have ruined Jose Canseco's life
Long after his retirement from MLB, Jose Canseco expressed regret for his usage of steroids throughout his career. He also spoke up about how PEDs took a toll on his health.
"I definitely regret getting involved with steroids in any way shape or form, No. 1, as a [teenager]. And, of course, there is the health price to be paid for long-term steroid usage -- feeling run down, the loss of a sex drive," said Jose as per a 2010 ESPN article.
Jose Canseco became baseball's only 40/40/40 man in 1988 when he cranked 40 homers, stole 40 bases, and his steroid-infested nuts shrank to 40% their normal size. https://t.co/7imHaN0jGF
"Jose became baseball's only 40/40/40 man in 1988 when he cranked 40 homers, stole 40 bases, and his steroid-infested nuts shrank to 40% their normal size." - Super 70s Sports
Furthermore, Canseco also mentioned how he is the sole player who has taken a hit financially for taking steroids. He highlighted Mark McGwire's role with the Cardinals.
"People have to understand that I've been the only individual that has paid the price for the use of steroids, when other players have been given a slap on the hand, some games off, and some are still getting $100 million deals. They are still being protected by Major League Baseball. They are still being given a job after the fact, for example Mark McGwire."
Steroids marred the records and reputations of many players in baseball, and Jose Canseco clearly regrets being one of them.