The tournament was sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (FIBA) and took place, for the third time, in Nicaragua, from November 25th to December 5, 1972.

Cuba won its 12th international championship, and fourth consecutive title; the United States finished with the silver medal for the third time since returning to AWS competition in 1969.

[1] 16 nations participated, the most ever included in an Amateur World Series to date (the previous high had been 13, in 1952).

Both Japan and Chinese Taipei made their debuts, becoming the first Asian countries to participate in the tournament.

The Puerto Rico national baseball team was notably managed by Roberto Clemente, a legendary major leaguer with the Pittsburgh Pirates.