It was the final edition of the first stage of the CBWS, after MLB CommissionerFord Frick banned American players from playing in Cuba for the 1960-61 winter season. As response, in March 1961 the Fidel Castro government would decree the abolition of professional sport in Cuba. The Series would be suspended until 1970, reconstituting without Cuba and Panama, while adding the Dominican Republic. Cuba would return to the Series in 2014.
Puerto Rico, managed by first baseman Vic Power, finished third with a 2-4 record. The team led the tournament with 10 home runs but only scored 27 runs. OF Tommy Davis was named the Series Most Valuable Player after hitting .409 with three homers, six RBI, seven runs, two stolen bases, and a .818 SLG%. Other contributions came from third basemanWoody Huyke (.350, one HR, .500 SLG), SS Félix Torres (3 HR), and OF/1B Orlando Cepeda (.333, .524 SLG, two SB). The team's two victories came from pitchers Earl Wilson (1-1, 15 strikeouts in 15 innings pitched) and Juan Pizarro (1-1, 16 SO in 14 IP).
Venezuela was represented by the Occidental League champion as a late replacement after a players strike in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. The Rapiños team ended in last place with a 1-5 record and was managed by Les Moss. Venezuela's only victory came at expense of Puerto Rico behind a strong pitching effort by Ed Hobaugh. The starting rotation was depleted after Julián Ladera was injured, while Billy Muffett (0-2, 6.00 ERA) was a notable weak spot, even though he pitched a 12-inning complete game. The offense was guided by CFWillie Davis (.333, .593 SLG, two SB) and 3BLuis García (.333, one HR, .542 SLG). 2B Bob Aspromonte and SS Luis Aparicio provided a solid middle infield defense.
