I'm thankful for not ever taking anything illegal.

When Pedro Martínez proclaims, “I’m thankful for not ever taking anything illegal,” he speaks not only as a champion of baseball, but as a guardian of honor. His words carry the weight of an age in which many athletes, tempted by shortcuts, sought glory through deceit. In declaring his gratitude, Martínez reminds us that the true measure of greatness is not found merely in victories won, but in the purity of the path by which they are achieved. To stand tall without compromise, to win without corruption—this is the essence of his thankfulness.

The origin of these words is rooted in the trials of professional sport, where the pressure to succeed can be suffocating, and where temptations—whether of wealth, fame, or forbidden enhancements—lie at every corner. During Martínez’s era, the shadow of performance-enhancing drugs cast itself across baseball, staining reputations and eroding trust. Yet he remained steadfast, refusing the easy road of chemical advantage. His thankfulness is not simply for what he avoided, but for the freedom of a clear conscience, the knowledge that his triumphs were his own, untainted and unshadowed.

History offers us noble parallels. Consider the ancient Olympian Milo of Croton, famed for his feats of strength. Legends tell of his training, of carrying calves on his shoulders until they grew into oxen. Whether myth or truth, his greatness was celebrated not because he cheated the natural order, but because he persevered in discipline. His victories became symbols of human endurance, not corruption. In the same way, Martínez’s integrity preserved his name, allowing his accomplishments to shine not only in numbers and titles, but in honor that time cannot tarnish.

There is a deep humility in Martínez’s gratitude. He does not boast, saying, “I was strong enough never to yield,” but rather gives thanks—thanks for the strength to resist, for the wisdom to choose rightly, for the grace that preserved him. Such humility is itself a shield, for it acknowledges that no man stands alone; each righteous decision is a triumph not only of will, but of spirit and guidance. To be thankful is to confess dependence on forces greater than oneself, and to find joy in the path of righteousness.

His words also carry a warning: that the pursuit of greatness without integrity is hollow. Many athletes of his time reached astonishing heights, only to fall in disgrace when the truth was revealed. Their names became bywords for betrayal rather than for glory. But Martínez chose the harder road, and thus his victories remain untarnished. His example reminds us that the fruits of dishonor are fleeting, but the harvest of integrity endures.

The lesson for us is clear: resist the temptation of shortcuts, for though they promise gain, they often deliver ruin. True greatness requires patience, labor, and sacrifice. Like Martínez, we must strive to live in such a way that when we look back, our hearts are free of shame, and our victories are worthy of remembrance. To be thankful for a life without corruption is to hold the richest crown of all—the crown of honor.

Practical wisdom follows. In your own life, examine where temptation offers you an easy road—whether in work, in study, in relationships, or in daily choices. Resist it. Choose the harder path of honesty, integrity, and discipline. Give thanks each day for the strength to remain upright, even when others falter. And when success comes, rejoice not only in the outcome, but in the purity of the journey that brought you there.

Thus, in the words of Pedro Martínez, we are reminded of an ancient and eternal truth: that the noblest victories are those won without compromise. To be thankful for having kept one’s integrity is to carry a treasure greater than any title or trophy. Let us then walk in this wisdom, striving for excellence with clean hands and humble hearts, so that our legacies, like his, will endure in honor.