"Pud Galvin's Controversial Use of Testicular Fluid as a PED in Baseball"

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Source: USA TODAY
"Pud Galvin's Controversial Use of Testicular Fluid as a PED in Baseball"
Photo: USA TODAY
TL;DR

In 1889, baseball pitcher James "Pud" Galvin received an injection of the Brown-Séquard elixir, a concoction of testicular fluid from dogs and guinea pigs, which was believed to be the "elixir of life." Galvin pitched a shutout the next day, leading to speculation that he was the first known instance of doping in baseball. However, since there was no rule against the injection at the time and the elixir was later proven ineffective, the debate remains whether Galvin should be considered a doper. This incident highlights the early existence of performance-enhancing substances in baseball, predating the steroid era by over a century.

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