1971 Amateur World Series

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The 1971 Amateur World Series was the 19th Amateur World Series. Like many prior editions, it was held in Havana, Cuba. It took place from November 21 through December 4, 1971.

Flag of Cuba Cuba steamrolled over the competition, as the home team went 9-0 for the Gold Medal. An All-Star team from all the other countries faced Cuba for a finale, but Cuba crushed them as well, 6-0, with a 2-hit shutout by José Antonio Huelga. Servio Borges managed the team, which allowed only 4 runs in 9 games while scoring 66. Rodolfo Puente (.429) led the event in average and was named MVP. Elpidio Mancebo (.382) led all players with 12 runs. The mound corps was led by Santiago Mederos (2-0, 0.00), Roberto Valdes (1-0, 0.00), Antonio Jimenez (2-0, 0.51), Oscar Romero (2-0, 0.53) and Huelga (2-0, 0.75).

Flag of Colombia Colombia had one of its best tourneys, winning Silver with a 7-2 record. Luis Escobar tied for the home run lead (2), Luis Gaviria tied for the triple lead (2) and future major leaguer Orlando Ramirez led in steals (7). Nelson Garcia threw the third no-hitter in Series history, blanking Italy.

Flag of Nicaragua Nicaragua took home Bronze at 6-3 despite being one of two teams to not have a player lead the event in a major category.

Flag of Puerto Rico Puerto Rico also went 6-3. Carlos Lowell led all pitchers with 3 wins.

Flag of Panama Panama placed 5th at 5-4. Ruperto Cooper led in RBI (11) and hits (14).

Flag of Dominican Republic Dominican Republic and Flag of Canada Canada tied for 6th at 4-5. Canada's Rick Cruise tied for the most homers (2), while Dominican Ramon Greene tied for the lead in both doubles (5) and triples (2). The Dominicans were managed by Julián Javier.

Flag of Italy Italy and Flag of Mexico Mexico tied for 8th at 2-7. Mexico's Eduardo Ruiz tied for the most doubles (5).

Flag of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands Antilles was last at 0-9. Alvin Fleming tied for the most doubles (5) while teammate A.T. Wester tied for the most triples (2).

Source: A History of Cuban Baseball by Peter Bjarkman

See also 1971 Amateur World Series (Rosters)