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As Czech Republic’s Ondrej Satoria walked off the mound at the Tokyo Dome, he stopped walking back to his dugout and did a full 360-degree turn, looking up at the sold-out stadium before him.
While some Czech fans sat in the stands watching their team’s final 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) game, the majority of Japanese fans in attendance were on their feet cheering for Satoria, a full-time electrician who has become quite famous in Japan despite being on the opposing team.
Satoria threw 4.2 scoreless innings for the Czech Republic against the stacked Japanese roster featuring Shohei Ohtani, Masataka Oshida and many other stars from the 2023 WBC champions. He allowed six hits and struck out three over 67 pitches — most of which barely broke 80 mph.
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Ondrej Satoria of Team Czechia waves to fans after the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between the Czech Republic and Japan at the Tokyo Dome on March 10, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Gene Wang – Capture At Media)
But Satoria quickly became a fan favorite in 2023 when he struck out Ohtani, the global two-way baseball superstar, and earned Japan’s respect for his performance. Ohtani even referred to Satoria as “The Worker,” ignoring the fact that some could see his helmet fly off when he struck out as embarrassing.
And while Satoria took all the cheers and ovations in Tokyo, it was also his last international match – he’s really focusing on his regular full-time work at home.
“I was really looking forward to it because to end my national career in a match against the best national team in the world is always special, and especially here in the Tokyo Dome,” he said when asked about his feelings heading into his final international start.
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He also told MLB.com, “It’s like a reward for my whole life playing baseball because nobody knows me in the Czech Republic. I’m just a regular guy from Ostrava, but here they respect me and make me sign balls. It’s really nice to be back here.”
Satoria’s stardom in the country has led to autograph sessions, handshakes, photo shoots and a simple walk taking much longer than usual because he is recognized.
Ondej Satoria of Team Czechia tips his cap to the crowd as he leaves the field after the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game presented at the dip between Team Czechia and Team Japan at the Tokyo Dome on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan. (Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos)
After Satoria exited the game, Japan’s lineup returned to its usual production as they ended up beating the Czech Republic, 9-0, for a perfect 4-0 in pool play.
But as both teams acknowledged each other, Satoria received another ovation as he waved to the crowd — a final farewell on a baseball diamond that had given him more than he ever dreamed of.
He was understandably emotional, looking around, bowing in Japanese custom and tipping his cap to his teammates, as well as Team Japan, who all stood and honored someone who will go down in WBC history – even if he didn’t win it all.
Satoria returns home to Ostrava, where he serves as electrical controller for ČEZ Group. But he and the rest of his Czech teammates have made a statement now in the last two tournaments – a country not known for baseball is working hard to prove they can be a formidable force one day.
Ondrej Satoria of Team Czechia pitches in the first inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between the Czech Republic and Japan at the Tokyo Dome on March 10, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Toru Hanai/Getty Images)
“I think it’s right because I became famous here three years ago, and it makes perfect sense for me to end it here on probably — for us — the biggest international stage that we can play,” Satoria said, via MLB.com. “I will certainly enjoy every moment I can wear our jersey.
