Eight-Year-Old Quote From Cubs' Craig Counsell Proves Prescient
Summary
Craig Counsell, now manager of the Chicago Cubs, said eight years ago that performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) had fooled people into thinking older baseball players were naturally performing well. Recent data shows that players aged 35 and older are less productive now, partly due to stricter drug testing, faster pitching, and new training methods.Key Facts
- Craig Counsell made the statement about PEDs eight years ago when he managed the Milwaukee Brewers.
- PEDs helped some players in the 2000s, allowing older hitters to set records and extend careers.
- Barry Bonds, who played through his 40s, is often linked to PED use and holds the record of 762 home runs.
- From 2000 to 2007, the average age of major league hitters was 29 or older, but it dropped below 29 in 2008 and has stayed lower since.
- In 2003, hitters aged 35 and older produced 71.3 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), but in early 2026, they only contributed 5.6 WAR.
- Factors like faster pitches, better analytics, and less flexible training have made it harder for older players to succeed today.
- The PED era complicates comparisons between older and current baseball statistics.
- Drug testing has reduced the impact PEDs have on players’ performance and career length.
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