While Kyle Teel, catcher for the Chicago White Sox, saw his time with Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic come to an end prematurely due to a hamstring strain, he left having gained valuable experience as a player and potentially a future leader in the clubhouse.
Teel spoke highly of Italy’s Vinnie Pasquantino. What stood out to the young 24 year old was the way Pasquantino prepared, talked to everyone in the clubhouse, and mixed in a perfect amount of seriousness and fun. Part of the fun, which has taken the baseball world by storm during this year’s WBC, is the team’s tradition of taking espresso shots after a home run.
Since Teel has returned to the White Sox’s Spring Training camp, he has made the suggesting of Chicago adopting the espresso shot tradition. It may sound a bit silly at first, but it’s actually a proposal the organization might be wise to consider.
Kyle Teel’s proposed use of Team Italy’s espresso shot celebration could be a smart move for the Chicago White Sox
Mar 10, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; Italy catcher Kyle Teel (3) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against United States in the second inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
With another rebuilding season likely ahead for the White Sox, finding ways to create energy and enjoyment can go a long way toward keeping players motivated over the grind of a 162-game schedule. For a team full of coffee lovers, this small addition could help do exactly that.
If the espresso shot celebration is officially adopted, it would send a clear message that the organization is willing to listen to its players’ preferences. The White Sox already made headlines earlier this offseason when bidets were installed at the request of free-agent signee Munetaka Murakami. Together, these moves could help reshape the perception of the team among potential players, especially if on-field success follows, making Chicago a more attractive destination for top talent.
In the end, what might seem like a quirky, lighthearted idea, a simple espresso shot after a big moment, reflects something deeper about the White Sox organization: a willingness to embrace culture, camaraderie, and player input. Small gestures like this, combined with thoughtful additions such as Murakami’s clubhouse bidets, signal that Chicago is a place where players’ voices matter. In a long season filled with challenges, these kinds of traditions could not only energize the team but can help shape a culture that attracts talent and keeps the clubhouse connected.
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