1950 Caribbean Series

In baseball, the second edition of the Caribbean Series (Serie del Caribe) was played in 1950. It was held from February 21 through February 27 featuring the champion teams from Cuba (Almendares), Panama (Carta Vieja), Puerto Rico (Caguas) and Venezuela (Magallanes). The format consisted of 12 games, each team facing the other teams twice, and the games were played at Sixto Escobar Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Summary

The Series had to go more than the scheduled 12 games when both Panama and Puerto Rico teams ended with a similar 4-2 record. Panama clinched the title after beating Puerto Rico in a tiebreaker game. The Panamanian team, who entered the series as underdog, was led by manager/center fielder Wayne Blackburn, pitcher Chet Brewer (2-0), and third baseman Joe Tuminelli, who hit two home runs with seven RBI as he received Most Valuable Player honors.

Puerto Rico was led by Luis Rodríguez Olmo, who managed and hit .292, and pitcher Luis Arroyo (2-0), who posted a 1.72 ERA and allowed eight hits in 15-2/3 innings. Other significant players in the roster included right fielder Willard Brown (.348), pitcher Wilmer Fields (1-0, one HR), first baseman Vic Power and pitcher Rubén Gómez.

Even with the Cubans heavily favored to win the Series, they only went 3-3. The team was managed by catcher Fermín Guerra, and included Al Gionfriddo, Conrado Marrero, Willie Miranda, René Monteagudo y Roberto Ortiz. Slugger Héctor Rodríguez led the hitters with a .474 batting average (9-for-19). Pitcher Bob Hooper ended 2-0.

The hapless Venezuelan team was managed by Vidal López and finished with a 1-5 record. The roster included Alex Carrasquel, Chico Carrasquel, Pete Coscarart, Jim Pendleton and Chucho Ramos. The team's only victory came behind a strong pitching effort from starter Santiago Ullrich in the opener.