Ramirez Gets That Free Pass Bonds, Mac, and A-Rod Didn't

My, how things have changed in baseball with fan perception of players using performance-enhancing drugs. In a span of less than a decade, we have gone from running players out of the game completely to adapting to the situation. Friday night’s return of Manny Ramirez from a 50-game suspension due to testing positive of banned substances was a sign of the times where a majority of baseball fans have collectively said, “I love the game and this is what it is, Play Ball!“ Ramirez had the luxury of playing in San Diego where Dodger fans from all over southern California could show up and support their star left fielder. Things might have been different in New York or Philadelphia, but the fact that a park like Petco that averages 24,000 a game was nearly sold to a capacity of 48,000 is a testament to just how forgiving we have become. The excessive crowd was also a further example of how likeable a baseball character Ramirez is. But what about the other superstars of the game ... (link)