1935 Central American and Caribbean Games

The 1935 Central American and Caribbean Games were the third Central American Games, but the first to include the Caribbean label as well as the Games to connote the larger scale of the event. They were held from March 24 through April 7 in San Salvador, El Salvador. The Games were controversial as Cuba accused Nicaragua, Panama and Mexico of using pros. Mexico withdrew from the Games as a result, though a couple of those same pros would play in the 1938 Games (Alberto Romo Chávez, Zenón Ochoa). Future major leaguer Hiram Bithorn won medals in volleyball and basketball, but Puerto Rico would not play baseball until 1938; fellow Puerto Rican José Antonio Figueroa won Gold in the javelin but would pitch in the Negro Leagues and Puerto Rican League.

 Cuba won Gold easily at 8-1. Manuel Fortes (.357), Francisco Hernandez (.444, the best in the Games) and José Luis García (a tourney-high 13 runs, 5 homers and 6 steals) led the offense. Fortes also went 3-0 to lead all pitchers.

 Panama went 5-3 and was the only team to beat Cuba, but 2 losses in the final round meant that they split Silver.

 Nicaragua was 4-4 and split Silver by going 1-2 in the final round. Herbie Carter tied for the most homers, 5 and led with 12 RBI.

 El Salvador finished 4th at 2-3.

 Guatemala placed 5th at 1-4.

 Honduras was last at 0-5.

Source: A History of Cuban Baseball by Peter Bjarkman

Also see 1935 Central American and Caribbean Games (Rosters)