Team Italy's Espresso Machine from WBC Sold at Auction After Being Used as HR Celebration

Team Italy celebrating home runs with espresso became one of the defining memories of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and someone now owns a piece of that history.

An espresso machine that was authenticated as used in Italy's pool-play win over the United States, quarterfinal win over Puerto Rico and semifinal loss to Venezuela sold via MLB Auctions on Monday for $16,510.

The machine features Italy's "I" logo, as well as World Baseball Classic logos and a sticker that says "Baseball isn't boring."

The money also went to a good cause with all net proceeds from the sale benefitting the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center.

Italy impressed throughout the tournament and played the role of underdog well.

It was the only team to finish undefeated in a Pool B group that also included the United States and Mexico and then fell just short of an appearance in the championship game with a 4-2 loss to Venezuela in the semifinals following a victory over Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals.

The team embraced the espresso celebrations after home runs, including when Vinnie Pasquantino launched three long balls during a victory over Mexico in pool play. That was an important game for the United States, as it propelled the Americans into the quarterfinals despite their own loss to Italy.

"It goes everywhere with us," manager Francisco Cervelli told reporters when discussing the espresso machine. "It's something normal. We got it on the bus. We've had it in the dugout, everywhere."

The espresso-powered club turned heads with a victory over the United States in pool play and became such fan favorites with the celebrations in the dugout that the used machine sold for five figures.