Final answer:
The rampant use of steroids in Major League Baseball (MLB) was preceded by the rise in popularity of the sport, scandals involving gambling, and the exclusion of African Americans from both team and individual sports.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rampant use of steroids in Major League Baseball (MLB) was preceded by a series of events, including the rise in popularity of the sport, scandals involving gambling, and the exclusion of African Americans from both team and individual sports. One significant event that contributed to the use of steroids in MLB was the intentional loss of the 1919 World Series by the Chicago White Sox, known as the Black Sox scandal. This scandal highlighted the corruption within the game and led to a growing distrust among players and fans.