In November 2019, just weeks after the Houston Astros won the World Series, people learned the team illegally stole pitching signs while batting — fundamentally removing the element of surprise from hitting, turning what is often described as the most challenging act in sports into a far simpler, drill-like activity.

Any major — or minor — sports teams or competitors found to have illegally gained an unfair advantage should be stripped of all medals or championships they earned during the seasons in which they were found to have cheated.

Sports are founded in the assumption that teams or competitors are operating on a level playing field, and when this criterion is not met, the sport can no longer be played the way it is intended.

Strictly punishing major league teams for cheating sends a message to all fans that cheating is not only wrong but will result in more harm than good.

In a team sport, when a team’s cheating is widespread and known, every player should be punished, even if they were just a bystander to the rule-breaking, since the whole team’s play was affected.

In order to maintain a sport’s integrity and reputation, it is crucial that all teams play by the same rules. Players, parents and fans should call on the sport’s governing body to strip title-winners of awards if they cheated their way to the top.