Topps NOW Celebrates Venezuela’s Historic World Baseball Classic Victory

A Tournament for the Ages on Topps NOW

Another World Baseball Classic is in the books, and what an incredible event it was. Unlikely heroes, big upsets, new records, and intense emotions ran wild through the final bracket, with Venezuela ultimately taking him the title with a series of huge wins, including over Japan and the United States.

As always, Topps NOW was in attendance to chronicle all of the biggest moments. Let’s take a look at a few highlights between the end of pool play and the finals.

The Czech Electrician Electrifies

Pour one out for the working man! Team Czechia’s starting pitcher Ondrej Satoria lived out a moment many of us could only dream of. The career electrical engineer threw 4.2 scoreless innings against Shohei Ohtani and the defending champs of Japan. His performance was so impressive, the fine people watching inside the Tokyo Dome gave him a standing ovation as he was relieved of duty from the mound.

It was an incredible moment, and exactly what the World Baseball Classic is all about.

Vinnie Pasquantino Makes History

Perhaps the laws of physics cease to exist when Vinnie Pasquantino’s at the plate. Italy’s first baseman put up absolute numbers against Mexico to secure their top seed in the challenging Pool B. Three Pasquatch sightings were made when he dialed nine to right field in the second, sixth, and eighth innings, setting a record for the most home runs ever in a single World Baseball Classic game.

Mexico learned the hard way not to pitch to Pas high and inside, as Italy made its way to the semifinals.

Japan Falls to Venezuela

In what seemed like a shocking upset at the time, Venezuela knocked off defending champs Japan in the WBC quarterfinals. In the midst of a hard-fought, back-and-forth game, Wilyer Abreu stepped into the box with no outs and runners on the corners in the top of the sixth.

Living up to the moment in every conceivable way, Wilyer sent an upstairs four-seamer to the moon with a tape measure shot to the right field upper deck, ultimately pushing his team to the semifinals. He also had an all-time bat flip moment that sent his dugout into a frenzy.

Gunnar Henderson and Roman Anthony Carry USA to the Finals

The semifinals matchup between the U.S. and the always talented Dominican Republic was quite the low-scoring pitching duel between the juggernauts. But two blasts recorded in the fourth inning proved to be all the offense the Americans needed.

First up was the Oriole and the boy from Bama, Gunnar Henderson, who crushed a fastball to right center to knot things up at one run apiece. But Roman Anthony decided that wasn’t enough, and two ABs and a pitching change later, Anthony hit one to nearly the exact same spot.

Both dingers were enough to send America to the finals, where they would face Venezuela.

Suarez Rallies a Nation

In the WBC finals, it was the Americans versus Venezuela in their first-ever trip to the championship game. Venezuela started out strong in the low-scoring affair, earning runs in the third and the fifth to go ahead 2-0. It wasn’t until the bottom of the 8th that the U.S. finally answered with a 432-foot, two-run slam from Bryce Harper to tie it up heading into the final frame.

In the top of the ninth with a man on second, Eugenio Suarez stepped up after working the count full and hit a deep double to left center to score the pinch runner and take the lead 3-2. 

Venezuela Brings Home the WBC Gold

As we all know, it ain’t over ‘til it’s over, and closing pitcher Daniel Palencia had a mountain to climb with Kyle Schwarber, Gunnar Henderson, and Roman Anthony due up in the bottom of the ninth. He started out with a swinging strike-out on the Phillies powerhouse and moved on to Henderson, who was quickly dispatched on a pop out after two pitches. 

Anthony had been hot all tournament. Palencia got the count to 1-2, and with a tear in his eye, fully aware of the impact this moment could have on his country, he sent a challenge 99-mph four-seamer down the middle that. Anthony swung, and missed, giving Venezuela their first-ever World Baseball Classic title.

With another incredible World Baseball Classic in the books, we’ll have to wait another four years for the next one. But in the meantime, Topps NOW can help you relive these legendary moments, with cards still available for a limited time on Topps.com.

Congratulations to Venezuela!

Jake Bennett is a RIPPED guest contributor and co-host of the Rebooked wrestling podcast.

World Baseball Classic Topps NOW FAQs

• What is World Baseball Classic Topps NOW?
  • It’s a limited Topps NOW set celebrating the biggest plays, stars, and moments of the Word Baseball Classic, including cards commemorating Venezuela’s historic win.
• Where can I buy World Baseball Classic Topps NOW cards?
  • Cards are available on Topps.com during the release window.
• How long are Topps NOW cards available to purchase?
  • Cards are available for order during a limited release window. After it closes, only the number of ordered cards are printed, ensuring that each card becomes a limited collector’s item commemorating its own distinct moment in time.
• Why are Topps NOW cards good for baseball collectors?
  • The limited nature of the print-to-order model, timely production, and focus on historic moments all combine to make Topps NOW baseball cards great additions to any collection.

Key Facts

• Event: 2026 World Baseball Classic
• Set: Topps NOW
• Key Players: Daniel Palencia, Eugenio Suarez, Wilyer Abreu, Gunnar Henderson, Roman Anthony, Ondrej Satoria
• Where to Buy: Topps.com

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