On June 7, 1991, MLB commissioner Fay Vincent distributed a seven page memo entitled "Baseball's Drug Policy and Prevention Program" to all Major League clubs. A part of the memo read "The possession, sale or use of any illegal drug or controlled substance by Major League players and personnel is strictly prohibited ... [and those players involved] are subject to discipline by the Commissioner and risk permanent expulsion from the game.... This prohibition applies to all illegal drugs and controlled substances, including steroids....". Vincent says steroids were included in the 1991 memo because of rumors involving one player, Jose Canseco.
The seven-page document didn't cover random testing -- that had to be bargained with the union -- but it did outline treatment and penalties.

Here is the entire, original 1991 memo:
http://www.businessofbaseball.com/do...on_Program.pdf

Vincent emphasized that "There is no place for illegal drug use in Baseball. Their use by players and others in baseball cannot be condoned or tolerated. Baseball players and personnel cannot be permitted to give even the slightest suggestion that illegal drug use is either acceptable or safe. It is the responsibility of all Baseball players and personnel to see that the use of illegal drugs does not occur, or if it does, to put a stop to it."

On May 15, 1997, acting commissioner Bud Selig distributed a nearly identical version of the drug memo, again citing steroids and directing clubs to post the policy in clubhouses and distribute copies to players.

Joel, I'm unsure where you got the idea that steroid use was somehow permitted in baseball prior to 2002. Not only were they illegal in general but they were against MLB rules since 1991, as stated in the above memo.

Rudy.