Parents Can Help Kids “Just Say No”

Rob Naddelman: Through a Parent’s Eyes

It seems like everyone has an opinion about New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez and his recent admission that he used steroids between 2001 and 2003. I have heard lots of commentary and opinions about A-Rod’s apology, how sincere it was, how truthful it was, or how disingenuous it was. What I haven’t heard enough talk about is how we can help prevent more young baseball players from making the same mistakes. With the fierce competition of Major League Baseball and the high stakes of salaries and signing bonuses for those that achieve success, how do we as a society work to reduce and eventually eliminate drug use in young athletes that are looking for competitive advantages? I personally think parents can help play a large role.

I have never used illegal drugs of any kind. A big reason why is based upon talks I had with my parents and what they instilled in me as a young man. I remember speaking to my dad about the dangers of drugs as a high school student and his advice was right on the money. Here are a few key bullet points of what he stressed to me:

1. They are illegal so stay away from them.
2. The best thing to do is never start, and if you don’t start, you will never have to worry about quitting.
3. You work your whole life to build a solid reputation for how you are perceived. It only takes one bad decision to have that reputation come tumbling down.
4. If you can say that you gave 100% and you did the best you could, that will always be good enough and you don’t have to cheat to gain an edge.
5. Even if you don’t get caught, you will always have to live with yourself, and in those quiet moments you will have a tough time being at peace with your soul.

I think a large key to the hopes of stopping illegal drug use in young athletes is for parents to help ingrain a strong moral compass within their souls. Young adults that are secure in their decision making, feel trusted by their parents, and truly believe in themselves, tend to make well grounded decisions as adults. It is the combination of building strong moral fiber and educating on the dangers of drugs that will go a long way towards curtailing drug use in the future. I personally think we are better off spending our time and energy on this initiative instead of conducting witch hunts and public trials of Major League players.

As parents, continue to speak with your children about these issues and help them make the smart choice when it comes to drugs. “Just Say No” is a slogan that has been around for decades and it may be more appropriate in these times than ever.


Rob Naddelman is the President of Baseball Factory. Naddelman is a former two-time All Ivy League Third Baseman at the University of Pennsylvania, where he competed in a College World Series Regional. He has served as the President of Baseball Factory for the past 13 years, and also is the Executive Director of Baseball Factory's charitable arm The B.A.S.E. - H.I.T. Foundation. Naddelman and Steve Sclafani (CEO) have been featured in Business Week and CNN for their work in building Baseball Factory into the nation's leader in player development and college placement.