More than 5,400 athletes from 37 countries will participate in the XXIII Central American and Caribbean Games Barranquilla 2018, the oldest countinuing regional games in the world (the first edition was held on 1926). Baseball and Softball competitions are set to begin tomorrow (Friday 20).
Baseball
Eight teams will play 28 round robin games in the men’s baseball competition of the Central American and Caribbean Games Barranquilla 2018. Colombia (host), Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela will battle for the Gold Medal.
Baseball was one of nine sports at the inaugural edition of the Games in 1926, and has remained part of the programme throughout its history.
All the games will be played in the brand new Edgar Renteria Stadium, opened on 31 May, with capacity for 12,000 spectators.
In Veracruz 2014 Cuba earned the Gold Medal, Nicaragua the Silver and Dominican Republic the Bronze.
Softball
During 14 days the women’s and men’s softball competition will be held at Estadio Pequeñas Ligas.
Starting tomorrow (20 July), seven National Teams will represent their countries in the women’s softball competition. Colombia (host), Cuba, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela will play a single round robin, and the top four will advance to the playoffs. The Bronze Medal Game and the Gold Medal Game will be held on 26 July.
Dominican Republic earned the Gold Medal in Veracruz 2014 defeating Cuba, 6-5, in the finale. Colombia won the Bronze Medal.
The Men’s competition will start on 27 July, with the same format. The participant nations are Bahamas, Colombia (host), Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela. The two games for the medals will be played on 2 August.
Venezuela is the defending Gold Medal champion. They beat Mexico, 1-0, in the Gold Medal game. Cuba ended in third place.
