Former two-sport athlete and Baltimore native Brian Jordan believes baseball players who used performance-enhancing drugs prior to drug testing should still be allowed in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Mandatory drug testing in MLB began in 2004, with first-time offenders receiving suspensions beginning in 2005. There were many notable players suspected of using PEDs before mandatory testing kicked in, including Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa and Jordans former teammate, Mark McGwire.
McGwire was traded from the Oakland Athletics to the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1997 season. Jordan played with McGwire in St. Louis from 1997-1998, with McGwire hitting 70 homers in the latter season. McGwires race for the single-season home run record with Sosa was recently documented in ESPNs 30 for 30 film Long Gone Summer.
If you want to put asterisks by peoples names you can go far back as you want to see illegal stuff being done, so thats why I say those guys who used steroids before drug testing was implemented, you cant continue to penalize those guys, Jordan said on Glenn Clark Radio June 16. They were good ballplayers either way you look at it. Youve got to have great hand-eye coordination regardless of how many steroids you used.
Jordan spent three seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons as a defensive back (1989-1991), then was an outfielder in the big leagues from 1992-2006. He was caught off guard when he arrived at Cardinals spring training in 1992 and saw the competition. He didnt realize there was no testing program in baseball and said everyone had a choice whether to use or not. Some decided it was their way to stay on the field.
Jordan said an asterisk is necessary for players who used performance-enhancing drugs after testing was implemented, but what about players in the 90s?
They left it up to the players to have choices and when it comes to drugs, Im totally against it, but if you dont have rules and regulations stopping players from using it, especially in the game of baseball, theyre not at fault, said Jordan, a graduate of Milford Mill Academy. When I came to the league from the NFL, we played the Texas Rangers. I saw Jose Canseco, Juan Gonzalez, Julio Franco, and I thought we were playing against the Dallas Cowboys.
McGwire wasnt the only one who played well with the Cardinals in 1998. Jordan and Ray Lankford had strong seasons, too. Jordan hit .316/.368/.534 with 25 home runs and 91 RBIs, while Lankford hit .293/.391/.540 with 31 homers and a career-best 105 RBIs.
St. Louis finished 83-79 and missed the playoffs, but the real story was the competition between McGwire and Sosa for the home run crown. Sosa hit 66 that season and briefly held the lead late in the season with that 66th homer. Jordan remembers the moment when the scoreboard showed that Sosa had taken the lead.
We were constantly looking up, and when we saw that 66, everyone was like, Aw man, here we go, come on Mark, Jordan said. Everyone was putting out pom-poms and we were becoming cheerleaders hoping Mark would come through and get it done.
Jordan said that early in the season pitchers would pitch around McGwire, but because Jordan and Lankford were also playing well, opposing managers eventually decided to take their chances with McGwire.
It was pick your poison, and I think after a while pitchers took it as a challenge to get Mark McGwire out, Jordan said. That was the fun part about it no one was pitching around Mark McGwire anymore. They were going right at him and saying, Hit me if you can, and of course we saw the results of that.
For more from Jordan, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: Courtesy of St. Louis Cardinals Archive
Follow this link:
Baltimore Native Brian Jordan On Whether PED-Connected Players Should Be Hall Of Famers - Press Box
- Jordan - The New York Times [Last Updated On: August 21st, 2018] [Originally Added On: August 21st, 2018]
- Jordan | history - geography | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: December 9th, 2018] [Originally Added On: December 9th, 2018]
- Jordan International Travel Information [Last Updated On: January 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 1st, 2019]
- Jordan travel | Middle East - Lonely Planet [Last Updated On: January 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 1st, 2019]
- Jordan | History, Population, Flag, Map, & Facts | Britannica.com [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2019]
- American Rhetoric: Movie Speech from Braveheart - William ... [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2019] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2019]
- Shop Sofas, Mattresses, Sectionals and more at Jordan's ... [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2019]
- Jordan travel - Lonely Planet [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2019]
- Jordan | History, Population, Flag, Map, & Facts ... [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2019]
- Flags, rags and signs: The art of Mary Anne Jordan | The University of Kansas - KU Today [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- On this day: Michael Jordan came out of retirement to play for the Wizards - NBCSports.com [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- The Jordan Defy SP Adds Bold Text To Its Straps - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- This is what frosty peace looks like: Israel, Jordan choose to ignore treaty's 25th anniversary - Haaretz [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Testing Nike tech: unboxing the Air Jordan XXXIV and Huarache Adapt - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- The Air Jordan 34 Red Orbit Is Releasing On October 10th - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- The Air Jordan 1 Brings Satin To A Black And Red Colorway - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Jordan raises teachers' pay in bid to defuse nationwide strike; union unmoved - Reuters [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Another Off-White Air Jordan Collab Is Reportedly Releasing Next Year - Sole Collector [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- Will There Ever Be Another Classic Air Jordan? - Complex [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2019]
- St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington is ready to prove you wrong - ESPN [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Jordan Road project nearing completion, Ryland Pike to start soon - WHNT News 19 [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Jordan B. Peterson film sparks threats: 'We really don't want to have to bring out the guillotine' - Washington Times [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Inside NBA legend Michael Jordans stunning 6m mansion thats built into the mountains and includes a golf si - The Sun [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Cultural preservation to bring bedouins of region to Jordan - Jordan Times [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- How Did Jordan's Opinion Of Turbo Change After Their Challenge Beef? - MTV.com [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- The Jordan Proto React Z Is Coming In Dark Grey - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Is This Timeless Air Jordan 4 Retro Colorway Returning In 2020? - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Jordan Brand Travis Scott Air Jordan 6 Collection Release Info and Retail List - Nike News [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2019]
- Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris on the new position, and new attitude, that have fueled his comeback - MLSsoccer.com [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Second round of tests deems South Jordan's water supply safe to use and drink - Salt Lake Tribune [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Watch: Former Seattle Seahawk, Oregon Duck Dion Jordan working toward return to the NFL - OregonLive [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Rep. Jim Jordan is among those who should be held accountable for the abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss - cleveland.com [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Where To Buy The Air Jordan 10 Seattle - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Kyle Costa's Linguistic Journey to Jordan and Lebanon The Heights - The Heights [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan: End arbitrary detention of women who disobey male guardians or have unsanctioned relationships - Amnesty International [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- What In God's Name Happened To Jordan Tebbutt? - Deadspin [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan Peterson Pulls Out of Politicon 2019, Citing Ongoing Health Concerns - Newsweek [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan to disregard IMF proposals inconsistent with its national interests - Middle East Monitor [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Where To Buy The Air Jordan 1 Shattered Backboard 3.0 - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- NBA 2K gives Jordan the nod in the never-ending GOAT debate - NBCSports.com [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- The Air Jordan I 'Fearless Ones' Collection Is Here - Maxim [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jim Jordan: impeachment inquiry has 'finally reached a boiling point' - Roll Call [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- How to Get the Shattered Backboard 3.0 Air Jordan 1 Thats Expected to Sell Out Fast - Footwear News [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- 25 years on, remembering the path to peace for Jordan and Israel - Brookings Institution [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Official Images Of The Air Jordan 1 FlyEase - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- The Air Jordan 1 Fearless Ones Collection Has Something For Everybody - Hip-Hop Wired [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan's 25-year peace with Israel 'cold and getting colder' - FRANCE 24 [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan Brand Is Going Big on Bold Colorways and Adaptive Tech for the New 'Fearless Ones' Collection - Esquire [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Jordan urged to stop imprisoning women for defying the wishes of men - The Guardian [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Celebrate Russell Westbrooks Birthday With The Jordan Why Not ZER0.2 Scorpio - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- The Jordan Mars 270 Appears In Vast Grey And Bright Ceramic - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jordan: Republicans to subpoena whistleblower to testify in public hearing | TheHill - The Hill [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- First Look At The Air Jordan 14 SE With Perforated Uppers - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- How to Get the Two New Island Green Air Jordans Dropping Soon - Footwear News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Where the heck has Jordan Travis been all season? - 247Sports [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- If Michael Jordan believes NBA players are paid to play 82 games, he's extremely wrong - For The Win [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Raiders sign DJ Swearinger and Dion Jordan; place Joseph on IR and waive Poling - Raiders.com [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Coldplay Want You to Be Part of Their 'Everyday Life' YouTube Live-Stream From Jordan: Find Out How - Billboard [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Wizards Hachimura is poised to be a breakout star for Jordan Brand - Bullets Forever [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Matt Gaetz and Jim Jordan Just Debuted the Trump Circus Defense - Esquire [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jordan to resume control over land leased to Israel - The Irish Times [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jim Jordan joins Intelligence Committee to boost Trump in public impeachment hearings - POLITICO [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jeremy Roenick Recalls a Wild Story of Golfing and Gambling With Michael Jordan - The Action Network [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Twenty five years after peace treaty: Jordan resumes control of enclaves leased to Israel - Haaretz [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- More Images Of The Air Jordan 14 SE Black Ferrari - KicksOnFire.com [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- First Look At The Air Jordan 6 Washed Denim - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- Jordan brand introduces the Air Jordan Fearless Ones collection - Yahoo Finance [Last Updated On: November 11th, 2019] [Originally Added On: November 11th, 2019]
- 'It is a celebration meal': Traditional Jordanian dishes meant to share with neighbors - The Dallas Morning News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Jordan Howard injury is taking longer than the Eagles once suggested it would - Bleeding Green Nation [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Here's how you can win Jordan Bohannon's shoes from the Iowa-Iowa State game - The Gazette [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Rapper Scarface of The Geto Boys Came Close to Houston City Council Seat - The Root [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- That Time Michael Jordan Lied to His Teammates in the Best Possible Way - Sportscasting [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- The Air Jordan 1 Mid Light Smoke Grey Is The Prime Base For A Dior-Themed Custom - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- WATCH: Ellen sends actor Michael B. Jordan to give Jersey City activist the surprise of a lifetime - NJ.com [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Why Jordan Described His War Of The Worlds 2 Victory As The 'Most Bittersweet Moment' Of His Life - MTV.com [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- The Futuristic Jordan Aerospace 720 Adorns Rookie Of The Year Color Themes - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- This New Air Jordan 3 Might Be Released for NBA All-Star Weekend 2020 - Footwear News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Closer Look at the Off-White x Air Jordan 5 - Sole Collector [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- First Look At The Jordan Why Not ZER0.3 - Sneaker News [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]
- Jordan Brand's Biggest Hater Admits It Had a Great Year - Complex [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2019] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2019]