Canterbury School in Fort Myers celebrates coach's World Baseball win

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Venezuela celebrated its first World Baseball Classic title, and the championship has a local connection through Canterbury School's pitching coach, Johan Santana.

Players at Canterbury watched history unfold when Venezuela defeated Team USA, knowing their pitching coach played a role in the victory. The team took the field at Terry Park, where Santana's impact was felt even in his absence.

"Coach Johanna, my guy, pitching coach, great pitching coach. So happy for him," said Ashby Piatt, a left-handed pitcher at Canterbury.

For the players, the moment hit close to home.

"It's really, it's kind of like pride. I take it as like he's working very hard, and he's working with us, doing things he doesn't have to, and then for him to be able to go and help the great players Venezuela go and win a championship, it's really cool," said Anthony Tenuto, a third baseman at Canterbury.

Santana's experience at the highest level is now shaping the next generation in Fort Myers. Players look up to the opportunity to represent their country, inspired by Santana's achievement.

"It's something that, like, we all look up to, like to go and play for our country, and him being able to get that win and help his team. It's really cool," Tenuto said.

The coaching staff at Canterbury described Santana as humble and approachable despite his success.

"He's just like one of the guys, and he texts in the group with us, and it's just fun to see somebody like that. That's been the success he's had and the humbleness he brings," said Frank Turco, a baseball coach at Canterbury.

Santana coached Canterbury to a state title last year. Now, he adds a World Baseball Classic title to his resume.

"I did tell him this. I said winning the state championship is the biggest honor he's had. Now I think he's got one bigger," Turco said.