Suppose that you were a distressed student, but you knew of a pill that would enable you to get better grades. Would you choose to take them or not? It would be preposterous to say that many would not. Mark McGwire, first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, had to make a decision similar to this. The decision he was forced to make was whether or not to use the body supplement androstenedione. This year, Mark McGwire broke the single season record for home runs and everyone made a big ordeal about his use of androstenedione. Many felt that since androstenedione is already outlawed in Professional Football, the Olympics, and the NCAA, then it should be illegal in Major League Baseball as well. Once again I ask if it were possible for you to enhance any part of your body, would you choose to do so?

Over the Thanksgiving break, my grandfather and I got into a discussion about McGwire. He told me that he felt that McGwire should not even be mentioned for MVP this year because of his use of andro. I said, grandpa, as a farmer you are constantly looking for ways to increase crop yield. The answer is always some type of fertilizer. Every other farmer may also choose to use these fertilizers,

"Androstenedione is a sex steroid hormone, which is converted in your body to testosterone" ( Hazard Alert 143). It is found naturally in all mammals in the gonads and adrenal glands. If taken correctly, andro should increase blood levels of both androstenedione and testosterone. Also, increased energy, enhanced recovery and growth from exercise, heightened sexual arousal and function, as well as greater sense of well being. ("Androstenedione")

For as long as body-enhancing drugs have been available, sports players have used them. To say that they make a player would be a false statement. A true player is made after he knows and can excel at all aspects of the game. Body-enhancing drugs have not brought many players to their prime, natural ability and pure determination has played a much larger part. It remains to be seen whether or not it is possible for people to believe in the competitiveness of the sport. For all time, man has been in competition. Whether it is for a parking spot at the mall, or in a professional sport. Legal performance enhancing drugs are just helpers in professional competition. Although some disagree and feel that this is cheating, if everyone is able to use these enhancers, then they cannot gripe if some choose to use them.

Mark McGwire is a 6'5", 250 pound first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals. McGwire started his career in Oakland California with the Athletics. He was traded to St. Louis in 1997 for three pitchers and was worked into the lineup immediately. His ability to hit home runs has not just recently come about. In his rookie year of 1987, he was the American League Home Run Champion with 49. Once again, in 1996, McGwire was the American League Home Run Champion with 52. To say that andro has given McGwire the chance to hit home runs is insane. He has participated in nine out of ten possible home run derby's. To be invited into the Home Run Derby, you must be known for hitting many home runs. He averages a home run every 8.13 at bats. McGwire acquired his skill to hit home runs long before his use of androstenedione arose. Mark McGwire is not only a power hitter, but also a smart hitter. McGwire got most of his home runs after he had already reached a full count. He also led the Major League in walks. "Androstenedione had nothing to do with these stats" (McCallum 17).

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1992
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)