HOF to host program on dangers of steroids

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February 9, 2012

By Mark Boshnack Staff Writer The Daily Star Thu Feb 09, 2012, 02:30 AM EST

Students will be taught about the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs through a national education and outreach program announced Wednesday by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown. The use of such drugs could affect upcoming balloting for several Hall of Fame candidates.

Starting this summer, the museum's outreach programs -- aimed mostly at middle and high school students, including athletes -- will introduce the Be A Superior Example, or BASE, program.

The program is designed to introduce the concepts of healthy lifestyle choices, while educating students about the dangers of performance-enhancing substances. Online tools will provide access for a variety of groups, with more in-depth programs available through the museum's on-site and videoconference educational offerings.

Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa will appear on Hall of Fame balloting this year, for the first time, after careers tarnished by steroid accusations.

But the issue is not new to baseball, Hall President Jeff Idelson said. The program is being rolled out now because it took a few years for the curriculum to be developed and raise the necessary funds, he said. "It is not intended to cast a directive to voters about Hall of Fame-worthy candidates," he said.

Although it's not a problem at their school, several people at Oneonta High School largely supported the program. OHS athletic director and baseball coach Joe Hughes said: "I applaud their effort."

There has never been an incident of performance-enhancing drug use at the school, he said. There is an athletic code of conduct that prohibits the use of any illegal drug, alcohol or tobacco. But "it's unfortunate that it has crept into the athletic world," he said, adding that he supports any education outside of school to make people aware.

Track coach Brady Cotter said school health classes and coaches address the issues, but it is an important subject to reinforce.

Two junior track team members said they liked the idea.

"Kids our age need to know the dangers that performance-enhancing drugs pose," Alex Fox said. It's "great" that the Hall is getting involved with the problem, though he has never heard of use at the school.

"Everybody should know about the issue," Aaron Murphy said.

Two senior cheerleaders also supported the initiative. Amanda Sutherland said while it is not an issue at Oneonta, "it's a good idea." Jordan Allen said that there are healthy and unhealthy ways of building your body, and it's important students learn the right lessons.

Idelson said the subject keeps with the mission of the Cooperstown landmark that houses three entities under one roof: the Hall of Fame, a museum, and a library and education center.

It is through the latter that "we are able to fulfill our mission of providing context to the issues that have faced our game, as a reflection of American history, throughout its history," he said.

Choosing those enshrined "has been a part of this nation's fabric since 1936, and has touted the virtues of character, sportsmanship and integrity, along with the contributions to the game," he said. The various voting bodies for Hall of Fame election will continue to use those standards in making selections.

A national fundraising campaign for the BASE program will continue this spring. The museum will work with the Taylor Hooten Foundation and the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Association in delivering content and program.