Italy’s dugout espresso may offer more than a caffeine buzz

Team Italy brought an espresso machine into its World Baseball Classic dugout and players have used shots during celebrations; experts say caffeine can boost alertness and reaction time but benefits depend on dose, timing and individual tolerance.

Team Italy introduced an espresso machine into its World Baseball Classic dugout, and players have used it during celebrations. Vinnie Pasquantino said he took three shots after hitting three home runs in a 9-1 win over Mexico. The appliance has become a talisman for a roster with many Italian-American players and reflects a cultural nod to Italy. Key details: - The article reports Pasquantino consumed three espresso shots after his three-home-run game. - The dugout espresso has been described as a talisman for Team Italy and a visible part of team rituals. - Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors and raises dopamine; studies cited in the article link caffeine to improved reaction time and better performance in some physical activities. - Research noted in the article suggests athletes may need roughly 3–6 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight about an hour before performance to see clearer benefits. - Coffee’s caffeine content varies by beans and brewing method, and experts quoted say individual tolerance differs widely. - The article notes potential downsides: too much caffeine can affect sleep, cause jitters or anxiety, and an unpublished study mentioned found higher throwing velocity but reduced accuracy after about 300 mg of caffeine (roughly five espresso shots). Summary: Team Italy’s dugout espresso has become both a cultural symbol and a routine element during the World Baseball Classic, and caffeine can offer short-term alertness and reaction-time benefits. The team was 4-0 in pool play and is scheduled to face Puerto Rico in a quarterfinal, and whether espresso use produces a measurable competitive advantage remains undetermined at this time.