Minnesota Twins Mike Pelfrey, who has ADHD says Adderall can make you a better player

Yesterday afternoon, Major League Baseball suspended former 2002 American League MVP and current Kansas City Royals infielder Miguel Tejada for using the medication Adderall. Now, Tejada did in fact have a medical clearance for the drug, but simply didn’t renew his therapeutic use exemption which resulted in the third longest suspension in Major League history.

That exemption is something Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey, who suffers from ADHD, always remembers to send into the league and yesterday said he believes that using ADHD without a true medical need can make you a better baseball player.

Per St. Paul Pioneer Press:

"“When I don’t take my Adderall, my mind, my thoughts are just all over the place,” he said. “When I’m taking it, I’m able to focus on one task and able to do one thing instead of (having) 20 different things pop in your head. It definitely helps.”Without an attention deficit disorder or ADHD diagnosis, Adderall could give a player additional energy, Pelfrey said.“When you don’t need it, it acts like a true amphetamine,” he said. “I don’t get all amped up on it. I’m probably more laid back when I’m on it. My thought process is toned down to one thing instead of 20 different things. Without it I’m pretty hyperactive and running around.”"