An "Asterisk" is a term used in Baseball to describe how a record or an accomplishment, which became tainted in many ways. One great example is Babe Ruth who has a record of 714 home runs. For Babe Ruth's case, his record was an asterisk because non-white players weren't given an equal chance before to receive the same opportunity as white players. This only prevented him to face the biggest baseball players the world has to offer.
Players Who Have Asterisk in their Records
One of the most memorable players is Alex Rodriguez or shortly called A-Rod, who has a record of about 500 home runs. This happened because of a controversy in 1977 when the rubberized pill gave the ball pop. On the other hand, Barry Bonds has more than 700 career home runs but was put in controversy because he was using a Performance Enhancement Drugs. This issue wasn't present yet in the rule book, where the player is supposed to receive ban punishment once caught doing drugs.The Effect of Asterisk
As time passed, the game also adapts to new technology and develops a broader spectrum, such as the equipment, rules change, and technology. Since there are many changes in baseball, either everyone got an asterisk or no one else did. But asterisk has different connotations, so it doesn't affect the player's scoring or records. This can only mean that there might be changes in the game, but it won't hold the player's record down.Asterisk Means Uncommon Events
In this sense, since the game is prone to many changes, then players will be affected by it. Besides, baseball fans love it when they see the player's record has an asterisk on it. At the same time, asterisk became the new logo of the Astros for the Houston team. Many baseball analysts and fans would also comment that if there's baseball, there'll be no means for an asterisk.Asterisk is just living proof of how baseball is also conforming to the world's standards, as many changes are bound to happen as times pass by.