1941 Amateur World Series

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.

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.

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.

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.

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