Rob's Blog

I see it time and time again. Players jump up and down complaining about an umpiring decision, trying to convince the umpire or referee to change their mind. In years of watching many different sports at many levels, I see the same behaviour and maybe once or twice have I ever seen what appears to be an umpire who has reversed a decision, which may or may not have been influenced by the player. Players will always think that they are hard done by. I really admire a sportsperson who will get up and continue with the game despite an obvious penalty being missed by the umpire. The umpires will not always get it right, but I think they are always trying their best, as do the players.

Barry Bonds hit his 756th home run the other night, and replaced Hank Aaron as baseball’s all-time home run champion. Since then, most of the interest has been on the ball he hit, and not the achievement itself. Bonds has earned $172 million in salary as a baseball player in the last 20 years, and much more in endorsements. For the student Matt Murphy who caught the ball, he will be happy with the possible $500,000 that he may be able to get for it. Bonds 755th home run ball, caught by Adam Hughes at the San Diego ballpark on August 4, is up for auction and it is suggested that it will probably sell in the $200,000 to $300,000 range. The 755th home run ball of Hank Aaron, the previous record holder, sold for $650,000. Bonds has been under a cloud of suspicion for alleged steroid use, and if anything comes of this the value of his balls will diminish. So Murphy should be selling as quickly as he can. With all the hype of the record, many experts agree that it is best to sell the ball while there is plenty of interest.

Related Pages: baseball, Sporting Memorabilia

Can golfers benefit from taking illicit drugs? One the surface many people would not believe that it could make much difference. Golf is a game of skill, and by the look of many golfers physical fitness is not a great factor. However, Tiger Woods, the best golfer at the moment and maybe the best ever, has led the way with his high level of fitness. Many young players may see that by artificially increasing their own fitness some of the riches of golf may be available to them.

There are a few areas in which some artificial enhancement could have an effect. Anabolic steroids can provide an advantage by increasing muscle strength. The stronger you are, the more acceleration you can generate in your swing and the further you can hit the ball. When you reach the putting green, another substance could be of assistance. Beta blockers can help the player relax or reduce tremors, and enable more control with your putting.

There has been talk of instigating drug testing for elite golfers. They should stop talking about it and do it now, as most major sports of the world already do. There does not need to be a major scandal for them to take action, which will only harm the sport. Putting a testing procedure in place will show the world that they are serious about the problem of drugs in sport, and show that all sports not immune to it.

Related Pages: golf, doping in sports, Tiger Woods profile