Baseball players of yesteryear would be horrified.
Italy’s dugout at the World Baseball Classic comes equipped with an espresso machine. And it’s getting a lot of attention.
«We’re a bit surprised, actually, because this is something in Italian culture that’s like water. I mean, coffee would be right after water,» Italy coach Mike Piazza said.
COFFEE TO TAKE: THE SISTERS OF VIRGINIA OPEN A MOBILE CAFE, STRENGTHENING THEIR BOND WHILE SERVING THE COMMUNITY
Team Japan pitcher Yu Darvish, center, and Team Italy manager Mike Piazza chat during a practice session at Tokyo Dome on March 15, 2023. Italy’s coffee habits have come into the spotlight the country’s baseball team in the World Baseball Classic. (Kyodo News via AP)
Piazza said he was happy with the Nespresso machine on the bench, but dissatisfied that the coffee was served in a paper cup rather than a ceramic one.
«I don’t like espresso in a paper cup. It’s kind of sacrilege,» Piazza said. «But when it’s the only option you have, you have to deal with it. Maybe next time we’ll bring the metal machine with the copper eagle on top and someone in there making espressos. You have to make the most of the tools you have.» «.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Andre Marcon, president of the Italian Baseball Federation, said he was happy with the exposure Italian baseball was getting, including from his coffee habits.
«Right now we are the most followed national team because of a number of things that happened related to our ‘good old Italian ways,'» Marcon said.