Many do take these high risk, high reward jobs for the big paydays.

Then there are those who had little choice. Several generations of their family worked in the coal mines, fished during the brutal winters of the North Atlantic or Bering Sea, or worked in other dangerous jobs because that was the only way of life they knew.

What makes the athletes such as Bonds different is that his taking (allegedly) steroids indirectly affects those trying to compete. If I were a borderline professional athlete and I see those who were not as good as me suddenly surpass me due to steroids, my only choice may be to reluctantly join them or diminish my chances of becoming professional.

Take the steroids and have an 80% chance of making a million plus a year or don’t take them and have a 10% chance and probably settle for a $40,000 a year job?

I know what I would do.

Also, those 370 foot power-alley fences now play as though you moved them in to 320 feet, a huge difference to a hitter. Those routine fly balls are now leaving the park.

Is it exciting?

Yes.

Is it fair for those who embrace the older days of the Musials, Aarons and Mays?

No.

If it were just the records, I personally wouldn’t have a problem. But the younger generation being almost forced to use drugs to enhance their chance of making it to the big leagues makes tougher enforcement a must.

Fine them heavily and banish them from the game after a second offense.