The 1997 IBAF Intercontinental Cup was held in Barcelona, Spain from August 1 through to August 10, 1997. Eight countries contested the tournament including Cuba, Australia, Italy, Nicaragua, Japan, France, United States of America and the host Spain.[1] The tournament was sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation.[citation needed]
The tournament saw the Japan national baseball team stun the Cuba national baseball team in the final, 11-2, ending a 14-year tournament dominance which included 7 tournament golds. The tournament MVP was Australia's Paul Gonzalez.