Gilberto Méndez

Gilberto Eduardo Méndez Fernández

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 195 lb.

• Born November 15, 1974

Biographical Information

Gilberto Méndez is one of the few pitchers to appear in the first four Baseball World Cups of the 21st Century - yet he threw fewer innings (13 1/3) than many pitchers throw in a single World Cup.

Méndez allowed five runs in four innings in the 2001 Baseball World Cup and had the second-highest ERA on Panama's staff. He helped Panama to a Gold Medal in the 2001 Bolivarian Games and a Silver in the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games. In the 2002 Intercontinental Cup, the right-hander gave up 5 runs and 3 hits in 2 2/3 IP and again had the second-worst ERA on his team, ahead of only Miguel Gomez. During the 2003 Baseball World Cup, he struck out six and allowed one run in four innings.

Méndez allowed one run in three innings in the 2005 Baseball World Cup. In the 2007 Pan American Games, he allowed one run in two innings. During the 2007 Baseball World Cup, he surrendered 3 walks and 3 runs in 2 1/3 IP. In the 2008 Americas Baseball Cup, he went 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA. He was on Panama's roster for the 2009 World Baseball Classic but did not pitch in the event. He helped Panama win the 2009 Bolivarian Games and 2010 Central American Games.

He relieved Julio Denis with a 1-0 lead against Venezuela in the 9th during the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games but gave up a tying run; Panama lost in extra innings. He was 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in the 2010 Pan American Games Qualifying Tournament, beating Nicaragua. In the 2011 Baseball World Cup, he was 1-1 with a 9.31 ERA, getting a win over Japan but losing to South Korea and posting the highest ERA on Panama. In the 7th/8th place game, he allowed five runs in a 8-3 loss to Venezuela.

He was 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in the 2013 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers, beating Nicaragua. He was with Panama for a Gold in the 2013 Central American Games. He tossed 4 1/3 innings (4 H, 1 BB, 5 K) in the 2013 Bolivarian Games and saved a win over Venezuela; Panama won the Gold. In the 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games, he allowed hits to both batters he faced.