for the Dutch in their shocking opening win over the heavily favored Dominican Republic. He was, however, the losing pitcher in the Dutch's second-round defeat to Venezuela. On June 26, 2009, it was announced that he violated the IBAF/World Anti-Doping Agency doping regulation during the 2009 World Baseball Classic by taking phentermine, and was banned from international baseball tournament for two years. He was allowed to play professionally in the US, however, since the American association does not validate the European laboratory results. Kansas City Royals On March 17, 2009, two days after Netherlands' elimination from the World Baseball Classic, Ponson signed a minor league deal to play for the Kansas City Royals and was invited to spring training. On April 1, 2009, it was announced that Ponson would start Kansas City's home opener on April 10, against the New York Yankees. He pitched six innings, and gave up four earned runs for the loss. He made his second start for the Royals on April 15, in which he allowed only two runs in six innings. Ponson got a no decision in the 5–4 loss to the Cleveland Indians. After a record of 1–7 with an ERA of 7.36, he was designated for assignment by the Royals on August 2, and released August 12. References External links Ponson released Union grievance filed Sidney Ponson Uncut (Minnesota Public Radio) 1976 births 2009 World Baseball Classic players Aruban expatriate baseball players in the United States Baltimore Orioles players Bluefield Orioles players Bowie Baysox players Frederick Keys players Gulf Coast Orioles players Kansas City Royals players Knights of the Order of Orange-Nassau Living people Long Island Ducks players Major League Baseball pitchers Major League Baseball players from Aruba Minnesota Twins players New York Yankees players Oklahoma RedHawks players People from Noord Rochester Red Wings players San Francisco Giants players St. Louis Cardinals players Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees players Texas Rangers players Leones del Escogido players Aruban expatriate baseball players in the Dominican Republic