Quote:
Originally Posted by packs
I don't think this premise makes much sense at all. Why would Gwynn start using PEDs at 37 years old? He had nothing left to prove. Every other major PED user DID have something to prove. Whether that be the ridiculous home run chase for Bonds, Sosa, and McGwire or Roger Clemens' refusal to accept he was toast at 30 years old.
But why would Gwynn go his whole HOF career as one of the greatest hitters of all time and then at 37 decide to use steroids to hit 17 home runs?
Isn't it just a little more likely the ball got livelier in 1997, just before the home run chase one year later?
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Agreed. Keep in mind, the Rockies came around in 1993 and the NL West did get to play a fair number of games in that park. It's not a huge lift, but it does warrant some consideration. Gwynn wasn't chasing anything but getting the bat on the ball. As I pointed out, Gwynn entertained a lot of the insights he learned from Ted Williams, including his approach to inside pitches. Hitting 17 HR at age 37 isn't all that eyebrow raising for the average player. A hitter as talented as Gwynn could easily make adjustments to hit a paltry number such as 17.
While it's not impossible, it's highly-improbable Gwynn took PEDs. A similar argument could be made for Cal Ripken's streak of games. In fact, it plays to that scenario more than it would Gwynn's. For the record, I think it's silly to entertain either thought.