Perhaps one of the most controversial topics in Major League Baseball is the discussion of the use of steroids and human growth hormones. Both are completely illegal in the sport and come with drastic consequences. You might think that a fifty-game suspension as a first offense would scare players, but for some reason steroids in baseball are occurring more and more often to the chagrin of Major League Baseball. The main reason why players take steroids is to improve their performance on the field. Steroids make players stronger and their performance is higher. Another use of steroids is to aid players in certain injury rehabilitation assignments. In any case, it is still illegal and prohibited in this sport. One of the biggest problems with steroids is that more and more players are testing positive every month. But the players' common defense is that they took steroids before they were effectively outlawed by commissioner Bud Selig. The argument is that they took steroids while recovering from an injury before they became illegal, or that they took a certain type of steroid, one that wasn't already illegal and has now become illegal. It is a highly debatable topic when it comes to deciding on punishments. In most cases the first offense is a fifty-game suspension and the second a one-hundred-game suspension, keeping in mind that there are only one hundred and sixty-two games in a season. The most well-known scandal is the Barry Bonds scandal. case. Barry Bonds was arguably the greatest home run hitter to ever play the game. He holds the all-time home run record and the single-season home run record. When he tested positive for steroids, the documents in his possession were contaminated. “When… mid-card… during the off-season. "In addition to mandatory testing each season, players will be randomly selected for additional testing, with no limit on numbers, and will be subject to random testing for the first time during the offseason" Reference Page "SI.com - MLB - Shadows Reveal the truth behind Barry Bonds' steroid use - Tuesday 7 March 2006 4.49pm." Breaking news, live scores and daily analysis from Sports Illustrated - SI.com. Illustrated sport. Network. Nov. 02, 2011. "Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez to serve 50-game suspension for drug violation - ESPN." ESPN: the world leader in sports. ESPN. Network. Nov. 02, 2011. "Mitchell Says Naming Names Was Right Decision - Baseball- NBC Sports." Sports News Headlines - NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, PGA, NASCAR - Scores, Game Highlights, Schedules and Team Rosters - NBC Sports. NBC Sports. Network. 02 November. 2011.