Italy’s World Baseball Classic Espresso Machine Up for Auction to Benefit Autism Research
The espresso machine that became a symbol of Italy’s successful run in the 2026 World Baseball Classic is now up for auction, with all proceeds benefiting the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center.
A Symbol of Italian Spirit
Italy’s team captivated fans during the tournament, even defeating the United States 8-6 in the group stage. A key element of their team culture was the tradition of celebrating home runs with espresso, courtesy of a dedicated coffee machine.
Auction Details and Cause
The MLB is hosting the auction on its website, which will remain open until 2:00 AM between March 23rd, and 24th. As of this writing, the bidding has reached $3,310 (approximately €2850). The funds raised will be donated to the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, a center dedicated to autism research and support.
The Origin of the Tradition
The tradition of celebrating with coffee began in 2023, with the support of staff including Mike Piazza. The machine itself was adorned with the logos of the World Baseball Classic and the Italian flag, along with the phrase baseball isn’t boring
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“Our bookstores were designed to be welcoming as opposed to intimidating,” Riggio told The New York Times in 2016. “These weren’t elitist places. You could move in, receive a cup of coffee, sit down and read a book for as long as you like, use the restroom. These were innovations that we had that no one thought was possible.”
Leonard Riggio, as quoted in The New York Times
Sponsor Support
The unique tradition garnered attention from sponsors, including Starbucks and Lavazza, who even created a promotional campaign around it.
FAQ
- What is being auctioned? The espresso machine used by the Italian baseball team during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
- Where can I bid? The auction is being held on the MLB auction website.
- Where will the proceeds go? All proceeds will be donated to the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center.
- When does the auction end? The auction closes at 2:00 AM between March 23rd and 24th.
This auction provides a unique opportunity for baseball fans to own a piece of World Baseball Classic history while supporting a worthy cause.