1941 Amateur World Series

From BR Bullpen

The 1941 Amateur World Series was the fourth playing of the Amateur World Series and featured a classic ending. It was played from September 27 through October 22 in Havana.

Cuba and Venezuela each went 7-1 in the round-robin, leading to a head-to-head finale. Venezuela had achieved the tie with a win over Cuba behind ace Daniel Canónico. When Venezuela asked for extra time before the finale to rest Canónico, the two-time defending champions from Cuba agreed. It would be a mistake as Canónico tops Connie Marrero 3-1 in the Gold Medal game as Marrero allows all 3 scores in the first.

Flag of Venezuela Venezuela certainly rode Canónico's arm as he went 5-0 in the tournament. The MVP, though, was teammate Jose Casanova. Future major leaguer Chucho Ramos was one of the outfielders. The team became known as the Héroes del 41.

Flag of Cuba Cuba got productive work from Rogelio Martinez (2-0, 0.00) and Marrero (3-0, 0.46 before the finale). Julio Moreno (1-1, 1.29) took the first loss to Canónico. Tony Ordenana (.256) led the tourney with 14 runs while Clemente Gonzalez (.395) led in hits (17) and Bernardo Cuervo (.400) in RBI (10). Andres Fleitas (.378) and Nap Reyes (.343) also helped out.

Flag of Mexico Mexico got the Bronze medal at 6-2. Victor Canales, who would drive in 100 four times in the US minor leagues, led the tournament with five doubles.

Flag of Panama Panama placed fourth at 5-3. Leon Kellman hit the tourney's lone home run. Future major leaguer Pat Scantlebury pitched for Panama. Flag of Dominican Republic Dominican Republic tied Panama at 5-3.

The Flag of United States United States and Flag of Nicaragua Nicaragua each went 2-6. Nicaraguas's Carlos Navas stole six bases, the most in the tournament.

Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico and Flag of El Salvador El Salvador each had a 1-7 record to tie for last place.

Also see 1941 Amateur World Series (Rosters)

Source: A History of Cuban Baseball by Peter Bjarkman