1955 Pan American Games

From BR Bullpen

The 1955 Pan American Games were the second Pan American Games. They were unusual in that Cuba did not win (nor did they play). Held in Mexico City from March 13 through March 24 at Social Security Stadium, they were won by the Dominican Republic.

 Dominican Republic went 6-2 to take home Gold. Felipe Alou was the biggest name (in retrospect) one of the few Dominican squads to win a major international tournament. Top performwers were Domingo Vargas (the Games leader with a .453 average and 16 hits), Pablo Tineo (the leader with 13 runs and 5 steals), J. Faillo (4 doubles), Rafael Quesada (3-0, 18 strikeouts).

 United States won Silver at 5-3. James Temp tied for the lead with 4 doubles and led with 14 RBI. J. Schoolmaker led with 3 home runs. Paul Ebert tied for the most strikeouts, 18.

 Venezuela won Bronze, going 4-4 and beating Mexico 8-2 in the tiebreaker playoff game. J. Matos tied for the lead with 4 doubles.

 Mexico failed to win a Medal while playing host but was 4-4. J. Chico tied for the lead with 5 steals. F. Barranca had the best ERA at 1.59.

 Netherlands Antilles was last at 1-7. Juan Julian pitched 23 innings to lead the tournament.

Source: A History of Cuban Baseball by Peter Bjarkman