Alexei Ramírez has tested positive for steroids and former Cuban shortstop has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for multiple anabolic steroids during the World Baseball Classic. The sample was collected during the tournament, where Ramírez—at age 44—became the oldest player ever to participate in the Classic.
The Substances Detected were:
•Mesterolone
•Methandienone
•Oxandrolone
•Stanozolol
In his nine seasons in MLB he swatted 115 homeruns and drove in 590 runs, while also slashing .270/.307/.392/.700. Ramírez was a a All-Star in 2014 and a two-time Silver Slugger winner (2010,2014). The infielder was also Runner-up for Rookie of the Year in 2008 and an Olympic Gold Medalist at Athens 2004 Games.
Ramirez returned to Team Cuba two decades later to participate in the World Baseball Classic and now faces a provisional suspension. How will these circumstances impact the image and legacy of a player with such a distinguished career?
These events could signal the end of long and storied career. “El Pirineo ” as he is known by the Cuban faithful played in the Serie Nacional/Liga Elite that last two seasons for his native Pinar del Río. During this edition of the WBC he only had one at-bat striking out to end Cuba’s loss to Puerto Rico.