1967 Pan American Games

From BR Bullpen

The 1967 Pan American Games were the 5th Pan American Games. They were held in Winnipeg, MB from July 23 through August 6, 1967. As of 2008, they are the only Pan Am Games to be won by the USA.

United States was 6-2 in the round-robin, losing twice to Cuba, but then beat the Cubans 8-3 in Game One of the playoffs. In game 2, they fell to 7-5. That brought them to the finale of the best-of-3 series. With the score tied at one in the bottom of the 9th, heavy rains began to fall, causing a delay. Manuel Alarcón, the Cuban starter and ace, ran into trouble after the rain delay, walking two and allowing a hit to load the bases. With the infield in, US outfielder George Greer singled home Ray Blosse with the winner. Steve Sogge led the tourney with 11 runs and 3 home runs while Greer led with 6 doubles. Joe Sanderfield led in ERA (0.75) and tied for the strikeout lead (23). Tim Plodinec tied for the best record at 2-0. Other players included Mark Marquess and Paul Splittorff.

Cuba went 7-1 in the round-robin, losing to Canada 10-9, before fading in the championship. Fermin Laffita (.333) led the tourney with 5 steals while Felix Isasi (.217) led with 10 RBI. Rigoberto Betancourt (2-0, 2.45) and Roberto Valdes (2-0, 2.81) tied for the top record. Alarcón finished only 1-2 despite a 2.33 ERA.

Puerto Rico won Bronze by going 4-4. Jose Baez led the Games with two triples.

Mexico was 4th at 2-6 and did not have any player who led the tournament in any major department.

Canada finished last at 1-7, with their only one coming against the top team, Cuba. It was Canada's first international tournament. Allan Robertson led the Games in average (.467) and hits (14). Ron Stead, a future Canada Hall of Fame member, led the tournament with 23 strikeouts (tied) and 23 1/3 innings pitched.