Rafael Santiago (Olympics)

Rafael Enrique Santiago Rivera

• Height 5' 8", Weight 137 lb.

• Born April 29, 1969

Olympics-Reference page

Biographical Information

Rafael Santiago pitched for the Puerto Rican national team, including in the Olympics.

Santiago played for Puerto Rico in the 1990 Goodwill Games. He was 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA in the 1990 Baseball World Cup, third on Puerto Rico in ERA behind Jesus Feliciano and Josue Salva. He won a Silver Medal with Puerto Rico in the 1990 Central American and Caribbean Games. He won another Silver Medal at the 1991 Pan American Games.

The hurler saved Feliciano's 7-5 win over the Dominican Republic in the 1992 Olympics, working the final 2 2/3 IP (2 H, 1 BB, 3 K), allowing one run, on a Rafaelito Mercedes homer. He started against Gold Medal winner Cuba and was roughed up (2 IP, 7 H, 3 BB, 5 R, 3 ER); Orlando López took over in a 9-4 loss.

Santiago won a Bronze in the 1993 Central American and Caribbean Games. He won two games to tie Rolando Arrojo and Juan Huazequi for the lead.