Key Themes:
Steroid Era: Cadnum delves into the infamous era of steroid use in baseball, exposing how players resorted to performance-enhancing drugs to gain an unfair advantage. The book highlights specific players, teams, and the detrimental effects their actions had on the sport's credibility.
Betting and Gambling Scandals: The author reveals the involvement of players, coaches, and officials in betting and gambling rings. These scandals raise serious questions about the integrity of games and how the desire for personal gain can corrupt individuals within baseball.
Sign Stealing Scandals: Cadnum exposes the sign-stealing schemes employed by teams to gain an illegal advantage. The revelations surrounding electronic sign stealing, trash can banging, and other methods shake the foundation of fair play and sportsmanship.
Cover-Ups and Lack of Accountability: The book criticizes Major League Baseball's handling of cheating and corruption allegations, suggesting a lack of transparency and accountability. Cadnum highlights instances where investigations were insufficient or mishandled, allowing wrongdoers to escape consequences.
Player Confessions and Whistle-blowers: "Red-Handed" features accounts from players who came forward as whistle-blowers, exposing the truth about cheating within their teams. Their confessions contribute to the growing understanding of the extent of corruption in baseball.
Impact on Fans and the Game: Cadnum discusses the repercussions of cheating on baseball fans and the overall perception of the sport. The revelations erode fans' trust and raise questions about the validity of previous records and championships.
Calls for Reform and Changes: The book concludes with a discussion of the necessary steps Major League Baseball should take to address and prevent future cheating. Cadnum proposes reforms and improvements to restore integrity, accountability, and fair play to the sport.
Overall, "Red-Handed" serves as an exposé of the dark underbelly of baseball, bringing to light the cheating and corruption that have tainted the game. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Michael Cadnum challenges the institution and calls for a transformation to restore the sport's integrity.