Taiwan's Baseball Triumph: A Story of Underdogs and Champions
Opening Round at Taipei Dome
In Taipei Dome, Taiwan's national team showcased their exceptional skills by outperforming several baseball powerhouses. The Opening Round of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier12 was a stage where Taiwan demonstrated their mettle. With a remarkable team ERA of 1.80 over five games, they stood out among the 12 teams, leaving Venezuela (2.36), the United States (2.41), Japan (2.80), and South Korea (4.81) in the dust. The fielders also contributed with numerous defensive gems, disrupting their opponents' momentum and setting the stage for their subsequent success.
During this round, the batters hit six home runs, laying the foundation for their dominance. It was a display of power and precision that caught the attention of baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
Super Round and Final at Tokyo Dome
In the Super Round and final at Tokyo Dome, Taiwan's team continued to shine. They triumphed over the United States and Japan, achieving a feat that many had thought was impossible. On November 24, against Samurai Japan, they clinched their first-ever title in one of the highest-level international baseball competitions, alongside the Olympics and the World Baseball Classic (WBC). This unprecedented victory ended Japan's 27-game winning streak on the global stage and sent shockwaves through the baseball community.
The captain, Chen Chieh-hsien, played a pivotal role with his commanding three-run shot against Japan in the final. His extraordinary.625 batting average over the tournament's nine games earned him the Most Valuable Player title, significantly enhancing his visibility not only in Taiwan but also outside the country.
Improvement of CPBL
Taiwan's astonishing success in the Premier12 is a testament to the improvement and progress that the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) has made in recent years. The league completed its 35th season on a high note, excelling in both game quality and ticket sales. This year, it returned to six major teams for the first time in over a decade, namely the CTBC Brothers, Fubon Guardians, Rakuten Monkeys, TSG Hawks, Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions, and Wei Chuan Dragons.
The establishment of highly competitive minor league programs within the CPBL has incentivized players to train diligently and remain disciplined. The recruitment of foreign players has also become more selective, with several representing their national teams in this year's Premier12 tournament. This has enhanced the overall competitiveness of the league and attracted more fans.
The Significance of Taipei Dome
The opening of the 40,000-capacity Taipei Dome has been a paradigmatic shift in Taiwan's baseball landscape. After a long and challenging journey since its inception in 1991, the island's first baseball dome finally came to fruition and hosted the Opening Round of the Premier12 in December 2023. In the 2024 CPBL season, a total of 38 games were played there, with an average attendance of approximately 20,000 per game.
The Taipei Dome has provided numerous benefits to the CPBL teams. Players have experienced an enhanced game environment in a world-class stadium, and rain delays have been eliminated, ensuring uninterrupted gameplay. Additionally, ticket and merchandise revenue has increased, enabling teams to reinvest in recruiting talent both locally and internationally.
Looking Ahead
Taiwan's triumph in the Premier12 and the spectacular games held at both the Taipei Dome and Tokyo Dome have brought immense joy to the nation. This success has the potential to attract even more fans to the CPBL next year, further strengthening the league's competitiveness and overall environment. However, the sustainability of the national team remains a crucial consideration.
Whether Team Taiwan can adopt a more institutionalized model, similar to Samurai Japan, is a question that CPBL President Tsai Chi-chang and Chinese Taipei Baseball Association President Jeffrey Koo Jr. must carefully evaluate. Baseball, as one of the few things that unites Taiwanese people across different backgrounds and political divides, holds great significance for the country's future.
With the support of political leaders like Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, along with the enthusiasm of the public, Taiwan's professional baseball teams and infrastructure can continue to grow stronger. This would not only be an invaluable asset for Taiwan but also contribute positively to the global baseball community.