Whether baseball fans want to believe it or not, steroids have become a major part of the sport.  The recent suspension of Los Angeles Dodgers’ outfielder Manny Ramirez has shown that anyone can become part of the steroid scandal.

The Los Angeles Times reported that no trace of any banned substances were found in Ramirez’s system at the time of his drug test.  However, the test showed that his testosterone level was 4 times higher than that of the average male.  He also had a prescription for a women’s fertility drug, known as hCG.  The drug is a banned substance commonly used by players trying to restart their testosterone after a steroid cycle.  The league suspended Ramirez on probable cause for 50 games, about a third of the season.

Ramirez signed a 2-year contract over the offseason worth $45 million.  Leading up to his suspension, the 12 time All-Star had been batting .328 in 27 games with 32 hits, 20 RBIs, and 6 home runs.  His suspension will undoubtedly have an affect on the Dodgers, who are currently first place in their division and maintain the best record in Major League Baseball.

Ramirez is not the only big name to come under scrutiny during the steroid era.  Mark McGuire, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Alex Rodriguez are just some of the future Hall of Famers who have tarnished their reputations. 

On Saturday May 9, during “The Baseball Show”, former Red Sox infielder Lou Merloni said that he attended a spring training meeting in which a doctor told the team how to properly use steroids without abusing them.  "The organization acknowledged that there were likely players using steroids,” said Merloni during the show,  “and basically 'if you're gonna use them this is how you use them so you don't abuse them.'"  Merloni said he did not remember who the doctor was that spoke to the team or when the meeting took place.  He played for the Red Sox from 1998-2002, so the meeting likely took place while Ramirez was on the team. 

The Steroid Era has been marked with numerous All-Stars and prominent sports figures ruining their reputations.  The suspension of Ramirez and the testimony of Merloni will leave many baseball fans to wonder who will be next.