1973 Intercontinental Cup

The 1973 Intercontinental Cup was the first Intercontinental Cup and was held from September 1 through September 8, 1973 in Rimini and Parma, Italy. It was organized by the Federación Mundial de Béisbol Amateur.

 Argentina finished last among the eight entries with a 0-7 record. They were shut out four times and allowed 10 or more runs five times.

 Canada tied for 4th at 4-3. Doug Simon led the event with 8 runs and was named best outfielder while Phil Lepage led with four doubles. They beat Puerto Rico, which finished second.

 Italy tied for 4th at 4-3. Their best win came over the #3 US squad. Vincenzo Luciani was named Italy's top player.

 Japan took home the Gold with a 6-1 record, losing only to the US, 1-0. Their staff allowed more than one run in only one game (vs. Italy). Hiroshi Naito led with 8 steals while Kojiro Ikegaya led with a 0.00 ERA. Toru Ugayama was named best infielder.

 Nicaragua also was 4-3 and in fourth place.

 Puerto Rico got the Silver Medal with a 5-2 record, losing only to Japan and Canada. Nestor Morales led the tourney with four homers and 12 RBI and in slugging and was named MVP.

 Chinese Taipei went just 1-6 to finish 7th, their lone win over Argentina. Shin-Ming Tan was on the team.

 United States claimed the Bronze at 5-2, losing to Puerto Rico (9-2) and Italy (6-5). Robert De Meo was named top catcher.

See 1973 Intercontinental Cup (Rosters)

Sources include Mercury, A History of Cuban Baseball by Peter Bjarkman