I read with interest this article from the HomePage of Outsports:

http://www.outsports.com/baseball/2005/0423outloud.htm

Steve Charing poses a question, Which is worse, a baseball player sleeping with another man when he goes home at night following a game or one who injects another’s butt with an illegal, banished and dangerous substance that artificially gives a player an advantage over the "play-by-the rules types"?

Of course I think the steroid-injecting player is worse for the game and otherwise, but do I believe that "America" (my quote, not the authors), thinks as I do? No. I must disagree with Charing, I do not think most people who love baseball would accept a gay player over a cheating player. I would welcome and applaud and support any player coming out, it would be a great thing; but I think I am in the minority on this issue. Yes, it will take someone with Jackie Robinson courage to step forward and walk through that door, but the current environment of steroid abuse is not making the issue 'ripe' for a player coming out.

And PS. why is Billy Bean trying to look like Britney Spears? Nice guns, nice face but does he really need to be showing his midriff like a teenage girl? Fire the stylist.

Okay, I'm talking to myself here, but there is also a very good story in yesterday's NY Times magazine about baseball players and steroid use, and the quest for power supreme in the game. It's very interesting and very relevent.

Well, I agree with you shore.

I think "America" is more sympathetic with steroid use because it basically comes down to exploiting the rules (or lack thereof), finding a loophole, or cheating (at worst). People can understand cheating. And people can understand sticking a needle in your butt.

What people can't understand is why a ballplayer might want to suck dick. Not only do they not understand this, but they think it's immoral, a depraved choice, and evil.

And the athletes themselves probably have their own issues and internalized homophobia to deal with, not to mention fear of failure that comes with competition/performance.

Given the wave of conservatism and anti-gay feeling going on in the U.S., it's probably not a good time for a player to come out.

That said, I would personally applaud one who did.

Of course they might just be afraid that a gay team member wouldn't find them sexually attractive.

To Shore's comments about my column "Come Out and Play Ball"--I agree there is widespread anti-gay rhetoric going on, but most of that is concentrated in rural communities within "red" states and among the religious right. In large cities, where most major league baseball games are played, there is certainly a lesser amopunt of anti-gay vitriol. As to you comment that America is more tolerant of cheaters or those looking for loopholes I must disagree, Sure, many can identify with cheating and lying. However, take the case of Sammy Sosa. Just a few short years ago he was the darling of American sports. Since the corked bat incident and steroids accusations, he has been roundly booed so far in New York, Boston, Toronto and Tampa (as much as anyone can get roundly booed in Tropicana Field). It's because he cheated; not because he sucked dick as was argued.

SteveC, I think your example of Sosa is relevant, but you have to remember, it wasn't only the corked batting and steroid association, but that his numbers dropped. If he kept his numbers up, people would be less inclined to disapprove of him. Come on, people still love Bonds, Giambi is like a superstar right now, Sheffield is fine. Steroids continue to make the news, very peripheral players getting caught, but steroids are not forefront in news. Gay issues are and generally in a less positive light.

And please let me say, since you are new (?) here, I am very opposed to steroids in baseball and have said so in other threads. And I applaud players like Billy Beane for coming out. I even bought and read his book. I would applaud anyone who joins him, especially while still playing.

[ April 26, 2005, 05:42 PM: Message edited by: shore ]

Shore, as an Orioles fan, I've witnessed Sosa being booed in every city his visited so far (except, of course, Baltimore) and trust me, it has nothing to do with his lower production from years past. Fans in other stadiums don't boo a player because his numbers have diminished; in fact, they relish it. It's clearly linked to the corked bat and perhapes steroids. Bonds, as much as he commands respect, is by no means "loved" by fans. You'd have to view Giant road games to see what I'm talking about. Of course, it is debatable as to how fans and players will react to a gay player coming out. I write columns to provoke thought and discussion as well as weigh in with my opinions. I respect your views.