Steroids In Sports- Thesis
By Jordan Brickman
One of the most controversial athletes in sports history is baseball player Barry Bonds. Bonds has been linked to performance enhancing drugs on numerous occasions, and some people believe that just being linked to the drugs (no test has proven that he is guilty of knowingly using steroids) ruins Bond’s chances of making the Baseball Hall of Fame, located in Cooperstown, New York. Big black balls Contrary to popular belief, Bonds, and other players, who have been linked to performance enhancing drugs, should be voted into the hall of fame, assuming their statistics validate such a distinction.
Barry Bonds was born into a baseball family. His father, Bobby Bonds, was known for his outstanding combination of power hitting and speed, he was the first player to have more than two seasons of 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, doing so a record five times, and was the first to accomplish the feat in both leagues; he became the second player to hit 300 career home runs and steal 300 bases, joining the great Willie Mays. Growing up around the game Bonds was truly a natural athlete. With his father’s genes he was able to earn a scholarship to Arizona State University, and become a first round selection (6th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1985. It took Bonds only one year in the minor leagues to finally reach the promise land, at the ripe age of 21. Clearly, Bonds’ natural baseball talent surpassed that of a normal individual.
It took Bonds only 4 years to make a significant name for himself. In 1990, eight years before he was rumored to use performance enhancing drugs, Bonds won his first Most Valuable Player award. He had a .301 BA (batting average), with 33 HR (Home Run), 114 RBI (Runs Batted In), 52 SB (Stolen Bases), and a .406 OBP (On Base Percentage). Normal consideration for a Hall of Fame player’s statistics are roughly: .300 BA, 30 HR, 100 RBI, and a .400 OBP, with the stolen base total being an added bonus. Clearly, Bonds, in only his fourth season, fit the diagram of a hall of fame player. Normally, a player needs to have at least ten seasons of dominance, although the mold has been broken for exceptions. From 1990-1998 Bonds had nine consecutive dominant seasons. During those nine seasons Bonds won three MVP awards, in 1990, 1992, 1993, eight gold glove awards (from 1990-1998 excluding 1995), six gold gloves (1990-1998 excluding 1995 and 1998), seven all-star appearances (1990-1998 excluding 1991), and two batting titles (1992 and 1993). Even the average fan can see that Bonds was well deserving of a Hall of Fame bid, before the performance enhancing drugs.
Bonds was rumored to start using performance-enhancing drugs in 1998, by that time Bonds had already established himself as one of the best hitters, and athletes, in all of baseball. As aforementioned, Bonds received numerous prestigious awards well before he even thought about injecting himself with any unnatural substances. As a result, Bonds’ success before he enhanced his abilities proves to me that he was a Hall of Fame player. Although, once he began to use the steroids he improved his abilities from a Hall of Fame talent, to a record-breaking talent.
From 1990-1998 Bonds averaged .305 BA, 36.3 HR, 110.3 RBI, 36.4 SB, and a .437 OBP. On the other hand, from 1999-2004 (2004 was Bonds last full season when he was fully healthy) Bonds averaged .341 BA, 48.7 HR, 125.4 RBI, 9.2 SB, and an otherworldly .535 OBP. Clearly his numbers improved greatly. With the exception of SB, which declined due to Bonds’ speed decreasing as he became older, and because he became significantly larger, Bonds supplanted himself as one of the all-time great talents to ever play baseball. While clearly Bonds’ overall statistics have been modified by his use of performance-enhancing drugs he still has the numbers to make it to the hall of fame, without his steroid-boosted seasons.
In addition, Bonds was not the only player who used drugs to increase his athletic abilities. According to Jose Canseco and his book, Juiced, released in 2005, Canseco claims that a majority of baseball in the 1990’s used steroids. Assuming what Canseco wrote is true, than Bonds was playing on a level playing field. After all, if everybody cheats than nobody cheats. When the topic of Hall of Fame voting is brought up the arguments normally swings in one of two different ways. First, the voters believe that if a person cheated in any form than they should not be allowed into the Hall of Fame. Second, people discount the rumors of alleged use and vote strictly on numbers, which is the philosophy that I follow. Even if Bonds, or any other player worthy of the Hall of Fame, fails a steroid test they should still not be penalized. Players from the 90’s, specifically,
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
pig letter
Jordan Brickman
8 Eliot Street
Corltandt Manor, NY 10567
Dear Mr. Omar Minaya,
I am writing you this letter as a young Mets fan, who would like to steer away from the status quo of Mets fans and praise your efforts as the New York Met’s General Manager. In my opinion, you were overly criticized for the Met’s awful collapse at the end of the season. When the Mets entered September with their huge lead nobody was bashing you, but unexpectedly the team blows a large lead. The team that blew that lead was virtually the same team when September began, when the fans were praising you. I don’t know how other fans can blame Reyes’ poor September (I see it as a down month, as opposed to Reyes suddenly losing all of his talent, see David Wright: April) on you.
I think the problem with Mets fans is they need to find a reason for losing, and once they do they don’t stop blaming that person until something else comes along. In your case they blamed you, Willie Randolph (who I think has done a terrific job since taking over the reins as the manager), and Reyes, when really the entire team is at fault. Mets fans don’t know what they have in this team. This team is very well built. The core players are young and energetic, and the older players are strong veterans who show the young players how to act. Unfortunately, baseball has become a game of numbers and when someone like Carlos Delgado hits only .258 they quickly say he is declining and should be traded. However, what they fail to realize is that in 2004 Delgado hit .269 and people were saying he was declining then; he then followed up his 2004 campaign with back-to-back seasons of 100+ rbi, which you know all about. They also do not realize that Delgado is a model citizen and a great clubhouse leader, taking him out of the clubhouse could have a drastic effect on the roster.
As fans, we tend to look away from the big picture. Since you’ve become the GM you have added a surplus of talent including: Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Pedro Martinez, Paul LoDuca, Endy Chavez, Billy Wagner, and the list goes on and on and on. All of those players are winners and have helped this club to become one of the elite clubs in baseball the last two years, save September 2007. On top of the obvious ML talent, you have played a huge role in persuading the vital Dominican prospect market to coming to the Mets. In a few years we will realize just how important your Hispanic heritage and influence can be.
In closing, I would like to finish by saying that you should not listen to any criticism coming from Mets fans. You have done an incredible job with this team since coming here. If anything, you have set the bar too high so that whenever you fail it is such a shock that the fans need to pick on you for something. In New York, no one is perfect, just ask Alex Rodriguez.
Mets Fan Forever,
Jordan Brickman
8 Eliot Street
Corltandt Manor, NY 10567
Dear Mr. Omar Minaya,
I am writing you this letter as a young Mets fan, who would like to steer away from the status quo of Mets fans and praise your efforts as the New York Met’s General Manager. In my opinion, you were overly criticized for the Met’s awful collapse at the end of the season. When the Mets entered September with their huge lead nobody was bashing you, but unexpectedly the team blows a large lead. The team that blew that lead was virtually the same team when September began, when the fans were praising you. I don’t know how other fans can blame Reyes’ poor September (I see it as a down month, as opposed to Reyes suddenly losing all of his talent, see David Wright: April) on you.
I think the problem with Mets fans is they need to find a reason for losing, and once they do they don’t stop blaming that person until something else comes along. In your case they blamed you, Willie Randolph (who I think has done a terrific job since taking over the reins as the manager), and Reyes, when really the entire team is at fault. Mets fans don’t know what they have in this team. This team is very well built. The core players are young and energetic, and the older players are strong veterans who show the young players how to act. Unfortunately, baseball has become a game of numbers and when someone like Carlos Delgado hits only .258 they quickly say he is declining and should be traded. However, what they fail to realize is that in 2004 Delgado hit .269 and people were saying he was declining then; he then followed up his 2004 campaign with back-to-back seasons of 100+ rbi, which you know all about. They also do not realize that Delgado is a model citizen and a great clubhouse leader, taking him out of the clubhouse could have a drastic effect on the roster.
As fans, we tend to look away from the big picture. Since you’ve become the GM you have added a surplus of talent including: Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Pedro Martinez, Paul LoDuca, Endy Chavez, Billy Wagner, and the list goes on and on and on. All of those players are winners and have helped this club to become one of the elite clubs in baseball the last two years, save September 2007. On top of the obvious ML talent, you have played a huge role in persuading the vital Dominican prospect market to coming to the Mets. In a few years we will realize just how important your Hispanic heritage and influence can be.
In closing, I would like to finish by saying that you should not listen to any criticism coming from Mets fans. You have done an incredible job with this team since coming here. If anything, you have set the bar too high so that whenever you fail it is such a shock that the fans need to pick on you for something. In New York, no one is perfect, just ask Alex Rodriguez.
Mets Fan Forever,
Jordan Brickman
Thursday, November 15, 2007
articles
Hen Hud Football- Season in Review
By Jordan Brickman
When comparing this year’s Sailor football team to last year’s, you can’t help but notice a large difference between the two rosters. Last year’s team was led by then seniors: Chase Bernard, Nick Sarcone, and Robbie Bosco. With all three players gone head coach Paul “Nate” Natale was forced to find a new identity for the Sailors. Nate’s prayers may have been answered when Matt DeSilva suited up and became the starting running back.
Nate and his coaching staff primarily call for runs up the middle, with an occasional pitch, and a pass mixed in. Therefore, a strong running back is vital, for the team’s success. Strong is not exactly a word you think of when you see the 5’7 DeSilva, but he gets by with blazing speed and agility. Although DeSilva can certainly hold his own in the weight room, the team has a few changeup backs in Andrew Nieminski, Sean Stevens, and Tom Coogan. That unit, along with a strong offensive line, has led Hen Hud to a 4-4 record with one more game to play.
DeSilva accounts for most of the Sailor’s points this season. Thus far the Sailors have scored a total of 104 points in eight games. DeSilva, single-handedly has scored over 70 points, running and kicking for points. While DeSilva is the focal point of Hen Hud’s offense, the Sailors also utilize other offensive options. Sophomore quarterback, Dan Boyle, whose favorite target (besides DeSilva, of course) is senior Sam Hall. Hall, who doubles as a corner back, also has two interceptions this season. Seniors Andrew Nieminski, Matt Colombini, and Will Gauthier, and junior Mike Billings, lead the defense, along with Hall. The team has been able to hold opposing teams to an average of 17 points a game, a solid mark.
The Sailors 4-4 season (thus far) has been marked a success by many followers, considering the holes left by last year’s senior class. The team’s 21-14 victory at Hen Hud’s homecoming highlights the season, while the team’s shellacking of Lourde’s (21-7) may have been the most impressive home victory. As someone who has followed the Hen Hud team on every road game (except for the 30-8 victory at Port Chester), I can definitely testify that Nate’s offense can be very frustrating to watch. As one fan described the offense: “we run the ball until we break off a long run.” While, that may very well be the philosophy; the offense has produced most games, and a 4-4 record is nothing to snarl at.
Hen Hud Girls Tennis: The Best Team You’ve Never Heard Of
By Jordan Brickman
When thinking about which Hen Hud girl’s teams are the most talented, two teams immediately come to mind. Obviously, the dynastic volleyball team comes to mind, as they have won five straight sectional championships, and are currently in the midst of defending their state championships. In addition, the girls’ softball team comes to mind, which lost in the state semi-finals last season after going 27-2. Both teams have a great reputation at Hen Hud. There is a third girl’s team looking to be mentioned in the same breath as Hen Hud volleyball and softball. The Hen Hud Girls' Tennis Team had an outstanding 2007 season, going 13-0, and winning the League 5A Championship.
The highlight of the season was beating three teams who were in higher ranked leagues. The most impressive facet about the tennis team, terrifically coached by Brad Fredman (also coaches the boys tennis team, who went 10-6 last season and are primed for a breakout season), is their youth. For those that do not understand a tennis roster is made up as follows: First Singles, Second Singles, Third Singles, First Doubles, Second Doubles, Third Doubles, and Fourth Doubles. The players are ranked by skill, therefore the best player on the team plays first singles and plays against other first singles players, and so on. In order to find a senior on the team you have to go all the way to third doubles, and excluding junior Dana Denenberg you have to go just as far to find another junior on the team. That is what makes the team’s success so exciting.
The aforementioned Dana Denenberg shared first singles duties with freshman Rachael Buckner. Denenberg went undefeated playing singles this year, and Buckner went 12-1 (the one loss came to Ossining’s Jamie Loeb who is ranked top 10 in the nation for players 12 and under). Behind Denenberg and Buckner is freshman, Tara Kutzbach, in her first year playing third singles had a 12-1 record. Behind Tara at first doubles were freshman Danielle Hardman and sophomore Christine Hintze, who had a 12-0 record. Behind them was freshman Leah Galant and sophomore CarolynGiordano who went 11-0. Overall, the combined records of first, second, and third singles, and first and second doubles was an incredible 60-2. In order for a team to win a match in tennis they need to win at least 4 of their 7 individual matches, and a 60-2 record from the first five teams clearly shows Hen Hud’s domination.
After the regular season ended, Coach Fredman decided to combine Denenberg and Buckner to form one heck of a doubles team. The pair went on to win the League 5 and Division 3 doubles titles, respectively. They also reached the 2nd round of the Sectional tournament before bowing out in a hotly contested 3 set match against ateam that took fourth place in the tournament. Certainly, Hen Hud girls tennis has an outstanding future in front of them.
By Jordan Brickman
When comparing this year’s Sailor football team to last year’s, you can’t help but notice a large difference between the two rosters. Last year’s team was led by then seniors: Chase Bernard, Nick Sarcone, and Robbie Bosco. With all three players gone head coach Paul “Nate” Natale was forced to find a new identity for the Sailors. Nate’s prayers may have been answered when Matt DeSilva suited up and became the starting running back.
Nate and his coaching staff primarily call for runs up the middle, with an occasional pitch, and a pass mixed in. Therefore, a strong running back is vital, for the team’s success. Strong is not exactly a word you think of when you see the 5’7 DeSilva, but he gets by with blazing speed and agility. Although DeSilva can certainly hold his own in the weight room, the team has a few changeup backs in Andrew Nieminski, Sean Stevens, and Tom Coogan. That unit, along with a strong offensive line, has led Hen Hud to a 4-4 record with one more game to play.
DeSilva accounts for most of the Sailor’s points this season. Thus far the Sailors have scored a total of 104 points in eight games. DeSilva, single-handedly has scored over 70 points, running and kicking for points. While DeSilva is the focal point of Hen Hud’s offense, the Sailors also utilize other offensive options. Sophomore quarterback, Dan Boyle, whose favorite target (besides DeSilva, of course) is senior Sam Hall. Hall, who doubles as a corner back, also has two interceptions this season. Seniors Andrew Nieminski, Matt Colombini, and Will Gauthier, and junior Mike Billings, lead the defense, along with Hall. The team has been able to hold opposing teams to an average of 17 points a game, a solid mark.
The Sailors 4-4 season (thus far) has been marked a success by many followers, considering the holes left by last year’s senior class. The team’s 21-14 victory at Hen Hud’s homecoming highlights the season, while the team’s shellacking of Lourde’s (21-7) may have been the most impressive home victory. As someone who has followed the Hen Hud team on every road game (except for the 30-8 victory at Port Chester), I can definitely testify that Nate’s offense can be very frustrating to watch. As one fan described the offense: “we run the ball until we break off a long run.” While, that may very well be the philosophy; the offense has produced most games, and a 4-4 record is nothing to snarl at.
Hen Hud Girls Tennis: The Best Team You’ve Never Heard Of
By Jordan Brickman
When thinking about which Hen Hud girl’s teams are the most talented, two teams immediately come to mind. Obviously, the dynastic volleyball team comes to mind, as they have won five straight sectional championships, and are currently in the midst of defending their state championships. In addition, the girls’ softball team comes to mind, which lost in the state semi-finals last season after going 27-2. Both teams have a great reputation at Hen Hud. There is a third girl’s team looking to be mentioned in the same breath as Hen Hud volleyball and softball. The Hen Hud Girls' Tennis Team had an outstanding 2007 season, going 13-0, and winning the League 5A Championship.
The highlight of the season was beating three teams who were in higher ranked leagues. The most impressive facet about the tennis team, terrifically coached by Brad Fredman (also coaches the boys tennis team, who went 10-6 last season and are primed for a breakout season), is their youth. For those that do not understand a tennis roster is made up as follows: First Singles, Second Singles, Third Singles, First Doubles, Second Doubles, Third Doubles, and Fourth Doubles. The players are ranked by skill, therefore the best player on the team plays first singles and plays against other first singles players, and so on. In order to find a senior on the team you have to go all the way to third doubles, and excluding junior Dana Denenberg you have to go just as far to find another junior on the team. That is what makes the team’s success so exciting.
The aforementioned Dana Denenberg shared first singles duties with freshman Rachael Buckner. Denenberg went undefeated playing singles this year, and Buckner went 12-1 (the one loss came to Ossining’s Jamie Loeb who is ranked top 10 in the nation for players 12 and under). Behind Denenberg and Buckner is freshman, Tara Kutzbach, in her first year playing third singles had a 12-1 record. Behind Tara at first doubles were freshman Danielle Hardman and sophomore Christine Hintze, who had a 12-0 record. Behind them was freshman Leah Galant and sophomore CarolynGiordano who went 11-0. Overall, the combined records of first, second, and third singles, and first and second doubles was an incredible 60-2. In order for a team to win a match in tennis they need to win at least 4 of their 7 individual matches, and a 60-2 record from the first five teams clearly shows Hen Hud’s domination.
After the regular season ended, Coach Fredman decided to combine Denenberg and Buckner to form one heck of a doubles team. The pair went on to win the League 5 and Division 3 doubles titles, respectively. They also reached the 2nd round of the Sectional tournament before bowing out in a hotly contested 3 set match against ateam that took fourth place in the tournament. Certainly, Hen Hud girls tennis has an outstanding future in front of them.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
poli
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Sunday, October 14, 2007
rich's resume
Richard Tomlinson
11-N Scenic Drive
Croton on Hudson, NY 10520
(914) 271-4037
chillinhard41@msn.com
EDUCATION
2004-2008 Hendrick Hudson High School
SUMMER / WORKEXPERIENCE (S)
April 2006-Present (excluding summer): A & P- Cashier (18 hrs/wk)
Summer 2006-2007: A & P- Cashier (21 hrs/wk)
ACTIVITES
Varsity Wrestling (9-10, 12) (18 hrs/wk)
Varsity Track and Field (12) (18 hrs/wk) Relay Races
HOBBIES / INTERESTS
Listening/researching music
Swimming
Volleyball
Soccer
Football
Photography
Wrestling
Drawing
Fixing electronics
SKILLS
Construction- Built Furniture
Repair- Rebuilt Furniture, Strong With Tools
Life Saving Skills (knowledge of CPR)
Works Equally Well Independently and As Part of a Team
Computer- Basic Web Page Design, Computer Programming, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
Electronic Fixing- Replacing Wires in DVD/VCR Players, Updating Computer Wiring
11-N Scenic Drive
Croton on Hudson, NY 10520
(914) 271-4037
chillinhard41@msn.com
EDUCATION
2004-2008 Hendrick Hudson High School
SUMMER / WORKEXPERIENCE (S)
April 2006-Present (excluding summer): A & P- Cashier (18 hrs/wk)
Summer 2006-2007: A & P- Cashier (21 hrs/wk)
ACTIVITES
Varsity Wrestling (9-10, 12) (18 hrs/wk)
Varsity Track and Field (12) (18 hrs/wk) Relay Races
HOBBIES / INTERESTS
Listening/researching music
Swimming
Volleyball
Soccer
Football
Photography
Wrestling
Drawing
Fixing electronics
SKILLS
Construction- Built Furniture
Repair- Rebuilt Furniture, Strong With Tools
Life Saving Skills (knowledge of CPR)
Works Equally Well Independently and As Part of a Team
Computer- Basic Web Page Design, Computer Programming, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
Electronic Fixing- Replacing Wires in DVD/VCR Players, Updating Computer Wiring
Monday, May 14, 2007
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
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