Trinidad Handed 50-day Suspension

Scandal rocks Marauders as All-Star catcher caught using performance-enhancers. Suckow to replace Trinidad in line-up.
By Bob Loblaw, Voice Writer
May 29, 2009

LOS ANGELES, CA. — Let’s just chalk this up to “Patty being Patty.”

Patty Trinidad joined a growing lineup of players linked to performance enhancers Thursday, with the All-Star catcher suspended for 50 days by a sport that cannot shake free from scandal.

News of the catcher’s suspension has spread quickly throughout the sporting world. In St. Louis, a clubhouse attendant stuck his head into manager Tony La Russa's office and said, "Patty Trinidad, 50 games, steroids."

La Russa's reaction: "You're kidding me."

In Los Angeles, the reaction was much more somber."It's a dark day for softball and certainly for this organization," Marauders owner Binh Tran told reporters during a press conference at MAPP headquarters.

"This organization will never condone cheating of any kind, especially if it gets out in the open. We try to protect our family and deal with this type of stuff internally, now that you media idiots know, well, we will deal with it."

The MAPP Marauders star, who led the team in runs production two seasons ago (Read Story), said she did not take steroids and was prescribed medication by a doctor that contained a banned substance.

The commissioner's office didn't announce the specific violation by the three-year starter, who apologized to the Marauders and fans for "this whole situation."

Trinidad, in a statement issued by the players' union, said: "Recently, I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me.

"Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now."

Trinidad has been no stranger to gossip columns and hot-stove reports since she first landed on the Marauders’ roster in 2007. Shortly after her first game as a Marauder, she demanded a trade that set the whole front office scrambling (Read Story). There have also been grumblings by teammates over the past two seasons about her commitment to the team.

Third baseman Jared Laux commented, “Man, this really sucks. You know, I’ve been hitting over .600 for the past two seasons with a handful of dingers – two in a game I might add – and this is what you come to talk to me about?! Some ‘roided out catcher?! I have no comment, except I’m the best hitter on the team and I’m getting asked stupid questions about players on the juice.”

Trinidad had scheduled an appeal and IMREC officials were in Los Angeles to meet with her on Wednesday. Trinidad, however, withdrew the appeal Wednesday for the scheduled meeting and accepted the suspension.

"We share the disappointment felt by our fans, our players, and every member of our organization," Marauders CEO Kelly Goulis said in a team-issued statement. "We support the policies of IMREC Softball, and we will welcome Patty back upon her return."

Marauders manager Neil Teixeira says Trinidad feels she disappointed her team.

"She feels very badly. Right now she's trying to gather her thoughts," Teixeira said Friday during a press conference before the Marauders held their first practice of the season.

"The worst thing I think a person can be is a disappointment to somebody else, and Patty feels like a disappointment."

Teixeira said he found out about Trinidad's suspension during an early morning phone call from team owner Binh Tran. Both said they were surprised and saddened at the news.

Speaking to the rest of the team during a closed-door meeting before batting practice, Teixeira emerged from the dugout with a dejected look.

"The mood was sad in the clubhouse," he said. "You can't have someone who's as much of an impact player and personality as Patty missing without it affecting people."

"I think most guys will trust a physician, right or wrong," Teixeira said. "I always emphasize to our players, minor league players especially, don't take anything unless a team doctor gives it to you. A team doctor."

Designated hitter Dominic Lau was angered by the whole affair. "How can they take away one of our best players at the start of the season like this?! I have no doubt that the IMREC league has a vendetta against us. I want to see proof! I want to see the lab tests myself!"

Lau was eventually calmed down by his manager.

Marauders back-up catcher Carolyn Suckow said that even though Trinidad makes them a better team, they are still capable of winning games without her."She's an RBI machine, so it's definitely going to be tough," Suckow said.

"But what can you do? You've just got to move on and keep plugging away. You have to take it either as a challenge, or in my case, an opportunity. And that's what I’m going to do."

Trinidad is expected to serve her 50-day suspension immediately, retroactive to Thursday, May 28th. That puts her return date at Saturday, July 18th. If that date rings a bell it's because the IMREC tournament is held on that same day.

"I'm just going to keep myself game-ready," Trinidad said. "I might not be able to play in any of the regular-season games, but I can sure as hell be ready for the playoffs."