Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the United States and is also one of the most competitive. While many people enjoy playing and watching the sport, there is a dark side to the game too. Cheating has been a part of the sport for many years, and different teams and players have been accused of bending the rules in order to gain an advantage. The question of who cheats the most in baseball is an interesting one and one that has been debated over the years. In this article, we will look at some of the teams and players who have been accused of cheating and explore why they might be doing so.
Why Do People Cheat in Baseball?
There are many reasons why people might choose to cheat in baseball. Some people may do it to gain an advantage over other teams or players, while some may do it out of desperation or to cover up a mistake. Here are some of the most common reasons why people might cheat in baseball:
- Gaining an Advantage – Players or teams may try to gain an advantage by bending the rules in order to win games or competitions. This could involve anything from using illegal substances to doctoring the baseballs themselves.
- Desperation – Some players may find themselves in desperate situations and may feel the need to cheat in order to save their team or themselves from embarrassment or defeat.
- Cover Up a Mistake – Players who make mistakes may try to cover them up by cheating in order to avoid being caught out.
- Team Pressure – Some teams may put pressure on their players to cheat in order to win games or competitions.
The Teams Accused of Cheating
There have been many teams accused of cheating in baseball over the years. Here are some of the teams who have been accused of bending the rules in order to gain an advantage:
The Chicago White Sox
The most infamous team accused of cheating is the Chicago White Sox. The team was accused of intentionally losing the 1919 World Series in order to make money from gambling. This scandal has become known as the Black Sox scandal and has left a stain on the team’s reputation ever since.
The St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals were accused of hacking into the Houston Astros’ computer system in order to gain an advantage. This scandal, which was uncovered in 2017, resulted in the team being fined and several of its employees being suspended.
The Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox were accused of using illegal substances in order to gain an advantage. This scandal, which was uncovered in 2017, resulted in the team being fined and several of its players being suspended.
The New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have been accused of using illegal substances in order to gain an advantage. This scandal, which was uncovered in 2016, resulted in the team being fined and several of its players being suspended.
The Players Accused of Cheating
There have also been many players accused of cheating in baseball over the years. Here are some of the players who have been accused of bending the rules in order to gain an advantage:
Barry Bonds
Barry Bonds is one of the most famous players to be accused of cheating. He was accused of using steroids in order to gain an advantage and was eventually convicted on charges of obstruction of justice.
Roger Clemens
Roger Clemens was another player accused of using steroids in order to gain an advantage. He was eventually acquitted of all charges, but the scandal still hangs over his legacy.
Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs in order to gain an advantage. He was eventually suspended for the entire 2014 season due to the scandal.
Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramirez was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs in order to gain an advantage. He was eventually suspended for 50 games due to the scandal.
Conclusion
Cheating has always been a part of baseball, and it is a problem that continues to plague the sport. Teams and players have been accused of bending the rules in order to gain an advantage, and while some of these scandals have been uncovered, it is likely that there are still many more that have yet to be discovered. It is impossible to say definitively who cheats the most in baseball, but it is clear that cheating is a problem that needs to be addressed if the sport is to remain competitive and fair.
References
- Gershman, B. (2018, April 11). The 6 Most Infamous Cheating Scandals in Baseball History. Retrieved from cheatsheet.com/sports/infamous-cheating-scandals-baseball-history.html/
- Hudson, J. (2018, October 24). The 10 Biggest Cheating Scandals in Baseball History. Retrieved from sportscasting.com/the-10-biggest-cheating-scandals-in-baseball-history/
- Mannix, M. (2020, February 20). The 10 Most Notorious Cheating Scandals in Baseball History. Retrieved from bleacherreport.com/articles/2848990-the-10-most-notorious-cheating-scandals-in-baseball-history