Gaspar Pérez (baseball)
| Gaspar Pérez | |
|---|---|
| Pitcher | |
| Born: April 30, 1943 Matanzas, Cuba | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Angel Gaspar Pérez Guerra (born April 30, 1943) is a Cuban former baseball player. Nicknamed "El Curro", he played in the Cuban National Series from 1964 to 1973 with various teams from his native Matanzas Province.[1]
Pérez debuted in the 1964–65 season with Occidentales, playing under manager Gilberto Torres.[2] Originally a catcher and infielder, he eventually transitioned to pitching but kept a reputation of being a good hitter.[3] He twice led the circuit in wins, in 1965 (his first season) and 1967. In his 1968 season, Pérez led the league in complete games (18) and innings pitched (212.2).[4] He finished his National Series career with a win-loss record of 76–63 and a career earned run average of 2.62.[1]
He is perhaps most famous for his starring role with the Cuba national baseball team at the 1969 Amateur World Series. With Cuba down 1–0 in the final game against the United States, Pérez was brought in to relieve starter Santiago Mederos. He held the US scoreless and then, rather than be substituted for a pinch hitter, knocked in first run to tie the game in the ninth inning; he later scored the winning run after another single by Rigoberto Rosique.[5][3][6]
References
- ^ a b Bjarkman, Peter C. (2007). A History of Cuban Baseball, 1864–2007. McFarland. p. 384.
- ^ "El pelotero cubano Curro Pérez y un tiempo para recordar". Havana Times. 1 October 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ^ a b "El Héroe de Quisqueya". Granma. 27 January 2016. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ^ Bjarkman, p. 273–74
- ^ "Leyenda del béisbol cubano se encuentra de visita en Miami". El Nuevo Herald. 11 May 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ^ "El día que el "Curro" Pérez inmortalizó su nombre". Swing Completo. 4 October 2023. Retrieved 26 September 2025.