[TomSportsHack]

steroids were in no way banned by the MLB at the time

Wrong.

http://news.findlaw.com/legalnews/sports.../baseball/

The possession, sale or use of any illegal drug or controlled substance by Major League players and personnel is strictly prohibited. Major League players or personnel involved in the possession, sale or use of any illegal drug or controlled substance are subject to discipline by the Commissioner and risk permanent expulsion from the game. In addition to any discipline this office may impose, a Club also may take action under applicable provisions of and special covenants to the Uniform Player's Contract.

This prohibition applies to all illegal drugs and controlled substances, including steroids or prescription drugs for which the individual in possession of the drug does not have a prescription. Clubs will dispense prescription drugs only under the direction of the team physician and appropriate records of such distribution and use will be maintained. All drugs on Club premises will be kept under lock and key. For their own protection, players who are taking a prescription drug under the direction of any physician other than the team physician must notify the team physician of this fact and of the drug(s) prescribed.

Dated 15 May 1997, and was actually a reissue of a directive by former Commissioner Fay Vincent in 1991.