Orioles Agree to Drug Testing

A voluntary drug testing program, the first in baseball, was announced today by the Baltimore Orioles. The pilot program will remain in effect for one year, unless superseded by any agreement between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Assn.

The Orioles reportedly did not vote on the matter, but each player agreed individually to go along. Urinalysis testing will be conducted independently through the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical School, on a spot and confidential basis, from three to six times a year, the club said.