1969 Amateur World Series

The 1969 Amateur World Series was held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from August 15 through August 26, 1969. For the first time since 1942, the United States of America sent a team to an Amateur World Series. They advanced to the finals against Cuba, both clubs being 9-0. Before 20,000 fans (predominately pro-Cuba following a 1965 US invasion of the Dominican Republic), Cuba won a hard-fought 2-1 battle. Gaspar Pérez drove in Cuba's first run to tie the game and scored the second; he was not only the winning pitcher, but had clearly earned the win with his two-way play.

Cuba went 10-0. They scored at least 8 runs in every game except their win over Mexico (5) and against the USA (2). Servio Borges managed the squad. Owen Blandino hit .500 and was the tourney leader in average, runs (13) and hits (20). Fermín Laffita (.442) led all players with 3 home runs and 16 RBI and tied for the most triples (3). Gaspar Pérez was named MVP; he went 6 for 11 at the plate while having a 4-0, 0.35 record on the mound. He led all pitchers in wins.

United States won Silver at 9-1. Key hitters were Steve Greenberg (.263, 2 Triples, 1 Homer, 11 RBI), Allen Matson (.333, 9 RBI), Vince Adimando (.389), Chris Cammack (.350), Joel Green (.320). They also had an impressive staff of pitchers: Larry Osborne (2-1, 1.31, 28 K in 20 2/3 IP) opened versus main rivals Cuba and Dominican Republic. Phil Keller (1.69) did it over the other major teams: Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Hank Bunnell (2-0, 0.00, 22k, 15 IP) didn´t have opposition in Nicaragua and Guatemala. Brantley Jones (1.29, 2-0, 18k, 14P) overcame Panama and Mexico.

Dominican Republic claimed Bronze with a 7-2 record. Gerónimo Rodríguez led the event with a 0.00 ERA.

Venezuela was the only other winning team, at 7-3. Carlos Urriola stole 5 bases, the most in the Series.

Panama, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Nicaragua all tied for 5th with 4-6 records. Puerto Rico's Luis Mercado led in doubles (6) and tied for the most triples (3).

Mexico was 9th at 2-7. E. Ruiz tied for the most triples (3). E. Licón was remarkable despite a poor record (0-2) but he started against Cuba, USA and Colombia, posting a 2.75 ERA - 19 2/3 IP, 17 hits, 14k)