Black Sox Denied Gold as Venezuela Pitcher Banned for Doping

The Black Sox will not receive a gold medal from the recent World Cup, following the three-year doping ban of Venezuelan pitcher Maiker Pimentel. The ruling comes despite Softball New Zealand’s belief that a special consideration could have warranted an upgrade for the New Zealand team. The decision was confirmed by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), which stated that Pimentel’s positive test for a banned anabolic steroid invalidates his contributions to Venezuela’s victory.

Pimentel led Venezuela to a 3-0 win over the Black Sox in the World Cup final held on July 12, 2025. Following a provisional suspension in August, the WBSC officially disqualified him from all results and awards obtained since his doping test. According to a WBSC statement, “Pimentel has accepted a three-year period of ineligibility after testing positive for the prohibited substance stanozolol.” His suspension will last until August 5, 2028.

Despite Pimentel’s disqualification and the stripping of his World Cup gold medal and MVP award, the final standings of the tournament will remain unchanged. Venezuela retains its gold medal as first-time winners, while the Black Sox, who have previously secured seven world championships, remain in second place with silver medals. WBSC regulations stipulate that a team can only be stripped of medals if two or more players test positive for doping violations.

Softball New Zealand Chair Hoani Lambert expressed disappointment over the situation. He stated that the WBSC could have considered a team sanction, given the significant role Pimentel played in Venezuela’s success. “We are really disappointed in the positive test for Pimentel. He played quite an important role in Venezuela’s win at the World Cup. That shouldn’t detract from the achievement of the Black Sox, but sadly it does,” Lambert remarked.

Lambert noted that while the WBSC’s decision aligns with the rules of the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA), there exists a provision for discretion in certain cases. He suggested that the circumstances surrounding Pimentel’s positive test, particularly since he was named tournament MVP, could have warranted a stricter sanction. “We do think this is a bit of an unusual situation. Yes, it’s only a single person who tested positive, but he did have such an impact on Venezuela’s result,” he added.

Pimentel showcased exceptional performance throughout the tournament, pitching 34 innings across six games, with a record of 4-1 and an earned run average (ERA) of 2.88. He led the tournament in victories and strikeouts, achieving 58 strikeouts—16 more than his closest competitor. In the final against the Black Sox, he struck out nine batters while allowing only three safe hits.

While Pimentel’s suspension lasts until 2028, he may still have the opportunity to compete in the next World Cup finals if Venezuela qualifies. In the meantime, the Black Sox continue to regroup under the guidance of coach Thomas Makea, who has reportedly helped rebuild the team’s culture following their return to the world podium. Lambert stated that Softball New Zealand is “delighted with the Black Sox” and is conducting a positive campaign review, with announcements regarding coaching reappointments expected soon.

Stanozolol, the substance for which Pimentel tested positive, is a synthetic anabolic steroid known for promoting lean muscle growth and enhancing strength. It has been prohibited by sports authorities since 1974, with one of the most notable cases being Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, who was stripped of his gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics after testing positive for the same substance.

The Black Sox’s situation highlights the ongoing challenges sports organizations face in maintaining integrity while navigating the complexities of doping violations. As the team looks forward to future competitions, the impact of this incident will likely resonate within the broader sporting community.