Ripken Plays It by the Book

Cal Ripken Jr., who holds one of baseball’s most cherished records, believes an asterisk would not be required to diminish the stature of any star who might have set records after using illegal performance-enhancing substances.

“When the truth is told, and if you did do that, your accomplishment is already tainted,” said Ripken, who was in Anaheim holding a clinic for kids from the Boys and Girls Club. “The asterisk wouldn’t be necessary.”

In 1995, Ripken surpassed Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig’s record of 2,130 consecutive games played. The streak extended into 1998 and ended at 2,632.

As Barry Bonds threatens perhaps the most treasured record in the game -- the 755 home runs hit by another Hall of Famer, Hank Aaron -- he does so in an environment of suspicion as well as amazement.

Bonds, who hit his 667th career home run Tuesday and set the single-season home run record with 73 in 2001, is enveloped in what Ripken called the “black cloud of steroids” that has surrounded the game.

Bonds’ personal trainer, Greg Anderson, is one of four men indicted on federal charges of distributing illegal steroids to athletes. The San Francisco Chronicle has reported that Bonds received steroids from Anderson, a report denied by Anderson. Bonds has denied using steroids.

The Chronicle also has reported that New York Yankee sluggers Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield received steroids, reports denied by both players. Ripken, a 19-time All-Star, declined to discuss Bonds or any other specific player.

“I tend not to sit in judgment of anyone,” Ripken said. “I believe the truth will be told eventually and that people who do choose to do shortcuts -- for whatever reason -- will have to live with themselves.”

As the San Francisco grand jury that issued the indictments proceeds with its investigation in private, Ripken lamented an environment that has led to what he suggests are reckless accusations of steroid use.

In initial testing last year, more than 5% of tests among major leaguers were positive for steroid use, triggering random testing with punishment this year.

In the absence of public identification of players testing positive, those with sharp increases in home runs are sometimes presumed to be using steroids.

“It’s unfortunate that everybody would be cast under a suspicious light now. We have to be careful not to jump to conclusions,” Ripken said.

“Common sense tells you it’s there. It’s in other sports. People have admitted using it. But it’s unfair to judge anyone and make certain assumptions.”