The two weeks that the World Baseball Classic played out had been stunning, reminding everyone about the beauty of this sport. The international tournament had its fair share of moments that left the onlookers in awe. From start to finish, Japan barrelled through its opponents in a display of spellbinding prowess. But there were plenty of other memorable and standout plays. 

One team that captured the hearts of fans and rivals alike was the Czech Republic. The team hails from a small European nation that doesn’t have a professional baseball team, yet they managed to hold their own against some of the best players in the world. Composed of amateur players with an unbridled passion for the game, they played with an intensity and skill that debunked their lack of experience. Their stunning performance in the WBC has earned them the respect of the baseball world, and now they are beckoning back to it. 

Czech Republic auctioning off special World Baseball Classic memorabilia 

The Czech Republic baseball team is auctioning off the World Baseball Classic jersey of Filip Smola and Lukas Hlouch on their Facebook page. The auction will end when the two players open their first game in the Czech Baseball Extraliga (Czech baseball league) this weekend. With a starting price of $460, bids can be made from abroad as well. 

The proceeds from the auction will go towards the Czech National Team Fund. Which supports young and talented players and helps them with studying and playing abroad in places like USA and Asia. 

READ MORE: “That’s Alright”: Team Japan Megastar Shohei Ohtani Wins Czech Republic Hearts With a Classy Move After 10-2 Rout

Many of the players who participated in the World Baseball Classic had foreign experience and benefited from studying abroad. The Fund aims to provide similar opportunities to future Czech baseball stars. 

The game between Czech and Japan that every fan loves 

The World Baseball Classic game between the Czech Republic and Japan was a special one for the Czech team. Though they ultimately lost to Japan, the game was filled with unforgettable moments. One such instance was when amateur Czech pitcher Ondrej Satoria struck out the legendary Shohei Ohtani.

The stunning moment earned Satoria the respect and admiration of Ohtani, who even donned a Czech cap as a sign of his friendship. He stepped back into US soil for the semi-finals, as if carrying the spirit of the Czech team with him. So why not follow suit and show your support for the team as well?

WATCH THIS STORY: Japanese Two-Way Baseball Star Shohei Ohtani Hits 100th Major League Homer