Reading: Juiced, by Jose Canseco (pgs. 39-72)

I found more insight on the issue of steroids in sports after I completed my next section of Juiced, by Jose Canseco.  In chapter three, Canseco continues to describe his early experiences as a baseball player playing in the minor leagues.  He describes that there were hardly any Cuban star baseball players at the time he entered the league as a minor league player.  He writes that he had hardly made any progress through his second year in the minor leagues.  Next, Canseco describes the passing of his mother.  His mother's death was devastating for him, but her death also motivated him to become the best athlete and baseball player he could be given all of his resources.  After describing his mother's death, Canseco describes the difficulties he faced when he played with the Oakland A's organization.  They were racist in some ways and also did not treat him with respect because he was a lower round draft pick.  Canseco considered giving up baseball when he felt unwanted, but a coach whom supported him helped him get back into baseball and keep fighting. 

In chapter four, Canseco describes how steroids helped him elevate his baseball game.  He became stronger quickly, and soon, he saw results on the field.  He quickly joined the Oakland A's major league team and made an instant impact.  As a result, Canseco became more of an icon with some people, specifically Cubans living in Miami, Florida.  Canseco writes that he became one of the best athletes in sports through his steroid regime.  He began to see the results he was looking for and would continue to find success. 

In chapter five, Canseco describes meeting the woman who would become his first wife.  He met her in a gym, and would connect with her later down the road.  Meanwhile, Canseco describes his excellent rookie baseball season in the MLB.  Despite being intimidated by the major leagues, Canseco broke rookie records along with capturing the rookie of the year award.  He continued to develop as a baseball player as he became more disciplined as he gained more years in the league under his belt.

After reading this section of Juiced. I still believe Canseco should have never taken steroids.  He tries to make the reader want to like him when he describes the passing of his mother.  However, I still do not think he should have done steroids even if he did them safely and they made him a great baseball player.  I also was somewhat surprised how quickly steroids helped Canseco improve.  Canseco describes part of the effects of steroids to be positive mentally.  I think the steroids certainly gave Canseco an edge when no one at the time knew about his use of the performance enhancers.  However, I refuse to believe that he is justified in taking the drug even if he wanted to make his mother proud after her death.  If I could give a message to all of my followers, I would say that cheating to achieve as certain accomplishment will never be as sweet as accomplishing the task clean.  In addition, I believe illegal drugs like steroids are not necessary and are also immoral for me personally.  Although I have cheated several times in my life, I will always strive to remain as honest as possible in everything that I do.  In conclusion, I believe drugs or any other form of cheating should never be considered the correct option.