We humans incessantly want to know ‘why’. Children especially.
Why did so-and-so do such-and-such is an especially popular ‘why’ question centered around human behavior. Given all the seemingly unexplainable things we humans do, it’s certainly a natural.
In The Power of Professionalism I suggested that an especially helpful way to better understand a person’s behavior is to understand how they view themselves. Said another way, understand the identity the individual has assigned to themselves.
It wasn’t until the mega-talented All-Star outfielder Jose Canseco revealed to baseball manager Tony LaRussa that he saw himself as an entertainer (think: identity) that LaRussa finally understood his flamboyant, and often maddening, outfielder (source: full story page 56, The Power of Professionalism). It wasn’t until that acknowledgement on Canseco’s part that LaRussa truly understand why Jose did what he did.
Fast-forward to last Saturday March 8th. A San Francisco Giants beat writer was being interviewed by Marty Lurie. Marty hosts the Giants pre and post game radio program show on the weekends in the Bay Area. The subject shifted to steroids and, naturally, Barry Bonds.
Did he or didn’t he? And if he did use steroids, why? To be clear, Bonds has never acknowledged he used steroids, although most believe he likely did. The ‘did he use’ question was also focus of a protracted federal court case.
The beat writer goes on to share an experience he had with Barry (and his entourage) very late in his playing career. Barry was ‘holding court’ with this tight-knit group out of ear shot of others. It was Barry ‘unplugged’. He was authentic and unabashedly forthright as he spoke about his career, his reputation, and his station in baseball history.
During the session Barry never acknowledged that he had used steroids but spoke ‘as if’ he had. After all, he reflected, wouldn’t a player get contact lenses if it enhanced their performance?, wouldn’t a player doctor the ball if it enhanced their performance? wouldn’t a player use steroids if it enhanced their performance?
Bonds went on to say that he considered himself an entertainer (think: identity)…just as Canseco did!
What’s the principal thing entertainers are expected to do? Perform!
Did Barry Bonds use steroids? I don’t know. But if he (the entertainer) did, now you know why.