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in performance-enhancing stimulants and drugs for centuries and baseball is no exception. A nip or two of alcohol before hitting the field was not unusual for early ballplayers. During the 1960s and 1970s, some ballplayers relied on amphetamines to add an “edge” to the game. Today it’s another story. Performance-enhancers – a wide

class of chemical compounds including everything from illegal steroids to legal growth hormones – have mushroomed into a multi-million dollar industry.

In the face of this explosion of chemically altered athletics, baseball’s drug policy has remained laissez faire. Illegal street drugs and steroids are banned, but so is random drug testing. And baseball has yet to voice an opinion on other performance-enhancers such as growth hormones and dietary supplements like creatine.

Click above to learn more about testing and the history of drugs and enhancers in baseball.

"; BaseballDrugs_080102[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); BaseballDrugs_080102[i-1].body = "Whether it's to hit the ball harder or just heighten mental clarity in the face of a 10-game road trip, some ballplayers have relied on a variety of substances – legal and illegal – to master the game.

Stimulants
Usage enhances mental alertness and concentration and postpones, at least temporarily, the effects of fatigue by acting on the central nervous system. Stimulants include amphetamines, ephedrine, caffeine, cocaine and methamphetamines.
Baseball spotlight -- Amphetamines: Amphetamines, usually Benzedrine or Dexedrine, have been a constant enough presence in baseball locker rooms over the past decades to have earned their own slang words -- among them “greenies” and “beans.” In an interview in the 1970s, Pete Rose admitted to using amphetamines while playing.

Anabolic agents
Bulk-builders like anabolic steroids belong to this group as do beta-2 agonists which reduce fat and increase muscle. The Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 made it a felony to possess steroids without a doctor's prescription. Steroids are banned by Major League Baseball, although there is no testing for the substance.
Baseball spotlight -- Androstenedione: Originally developed for East German Olympic teams, the dietary supplement androstenedione increases testosterone production, which in turn stimulates muscle growth and development. While \"andro\" technically acts like an anabolic steroid, it was not considered when the Anabolic Steroids Control Act was formulated. Andro is allowed in baseball, although the National Basketball Association, the National Football League, the NCAA and the Olympics all ban its usage. Mark McGwire admitted to usage in 1998.

Peptide hormones
Human growth hormone (HGH), which boosts muscle mass and energy levels, as well as Erythropoietin (EPO), which increases the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells and thus raises endurance, belong to this class.
Baseball spotlight -- Human Growth Hormones: Used to stimulate growth in adolescents, HGH is believed to be a popular substance among ballplayers hoping to build muscle and boost energy.

Nutritional supplements
Since the passing of the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act of 1994, over-the-counter nutritional supplements have enjoyed loose regulation by the Food and Drug Administration. Today many supplements promise benefits with potential appeal for athletes, such as increased vigor and strength.
Baseball spotlight -- Creatine: A naturally occurring compound produced by the body, creatine is believed to help muscles recover quicker and build body mass. In 2001 Barry Bonds admitted to ingesting synthesized creatine, which is available at health food stores."; BaseballDrugs_080102[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); BaseballDrugs_080102[i-1].body = "Jason Giambi, Barry Bonds and BALCO: A 2003 federal grand jury investigation into Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative, or Balco, led to the indictment of Barry Bonds' personal trainer. During the investigation federal prosecuters revealed documents indicating that Bonds himself had used steroids and human growth hormones. Bonds denied any knowledge. During the same investigation, according to a report by the San Francisco Chronicle, Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees admitted to steroid usage.

Jose Canseco: The former All-Star admitted in a June 2002 meeting that he used steroids. In his 2005 book \"Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits and How Baseball Got Big,\" Canseco described a scene where he personally injected Mark McGwire with steroids while they played with the Oakland A's in the late 1980s.

Ken Caminiti: In a May 2002 interview with Sports Illustrated, Caminiti, a former San Diego Padre and recipient of the 1996 Most Valuable Player Award, admitted to using anabolic steroids.

Mark McGwire: During the 1998 season, a reporter discovered a vial of androstenedione, an anabolic steroid, in McGwire’s locker. McGwire defended his use of androstenedione, saying that it was allowable under Major League rules.

Steve Howe: The 1980 Rookie of the Year Dodger became the first ballplayer banned from the game for life for violating a drug aftercare program in 1992. Arbitrators reinstated Howe over baseball commissioner Fay Vincent’s objections.

Darryl Strawberry: The red-hot outfielder drafted into the majors directly from high school in 1980 struggled with cocaine addiction during much of his career. By 2000, Strawberry had been suspended three times by baseball for cocaine usage.

Dock Ellis: In a 1980 interview, Ellis, a former Pittsburgh Pirate, admitted that he pitched his June 12,1970 no-hitter six hours after ingesting LSD. Ellis’s first pitch bounced five feet in front of home plate. He went on to walk eight, hit two batters and load the bases twice."; BaseballDrugs_080102[i++] = new Array("","","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); BaseballDrugs_080102[i-1].body = "Major League Baseball bans possession, use and sale of any illegal drug or controlled substance, including cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP), steroids and prescription drugs for which the player doesn’t have a prescription. Baseball rules say that players found in possession are subject to discipline including permanent expulsion.

The 2004 season marked the first time baseball did any drug testing. Starting in 2005 a positive test will result in fines and suspensions.

How other sports compare

NFL
Banned substances include: Anabolic agents, ephedrine alkaloids, peptide hormones, diuretics and street drugs such as cocaine and marijuana.
Testing: All players are tested once during the preseason. Seven to eight randomly selected players from each team are then tested weekly.
Penalties: First positive test triggers a four-game suspension.

IOC
Banned substances include: Anabolic agents, beta-2 agonists, diuretics, stimulants, peptide hormones, narcotic analgesics and street drugs.
Testing: Random testing and testing after event.
Penalties: A positive test for steroids receives at minimum a two year ban.

NBA
Banned substances include: Cocaine, heroin, amphetamines and anabolic agents.
Testing: Rookies are tested three times a year for street drugs and steroids. Veterans can be tested only once, unless they produce a positive sample.
Penalties: First time positive test results in a five-game suspension.

NCAA
Banned substances include: Stimulants, anabolic agents, diuretics, street drugs, peptide hormones and narcotic analogues.
Testing: Year-around, random program tests for anabolic steroids in Division I football and track and field and Division II football and baseball. At NCAA championships and bowl games, participants are also tested for stimulants and street drugs.
Penalties: Postive test results in one year loss of eligibility.

NHL
Banned: Street drugs
Testing: Voluntary

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