The Taiwan team achieved a splendid victory at the WBSC Premier 12 held in November 2024.In the finals, where the Japanese and American teams were considered the favorites, they achieved a major breakthrough and seized glory with their persistent Baseball.And there, we see many of our Rakuten Monkeys players!Upon interviewing them immediately, the reason for their strength became apparent from their words.

The Double Play in the Bottom of the 9th Final is a Lifetime Treasure – Lin Li

—Looking back on your victory at the WBSC Premier12, how do you feel?

“This is the first time winning at the WBSC Premier12, and it’s one of the major international tournaments, so I’m happy to have been able to win it.The response from the surroundings has been significant, and I believe Taiwan’s baseball fans have also been eagerly awaiting this. Not only us athletes, but also our fans who support us, together we savored the sweet wine of victory.”

——How was your match against the Japan team?

“Although I won in the finals, I had lost twice before that and I was reminded again of their strength. However, being able to fight on par or better with such people in the finals has given me great confidence.”

——What moments left an impression on you throughout the tournament?

“Indeed, it was when we secured the championship with a double play in the bottom of the ninth inning of the finals.I am not sure when I will be able to experience such joy again in the future. It will become a treasure for a lifetime, and you will never forget that moment.”

Proved able to compete on equal terms with Japanese Baseball – Chen Kuan-Yu

——What impact did this victory have on Taiwan’s Baseball world?

“I believe it has created an opportunity for people who haven’t watched baseball much before to realize the fun of baseball.After the tournament, I received many greetings from my friends and people in town. I believe the number of people paying attention to Taiwanese Baseball is increasing, and I expect this trend to continue in the future.”

——How was your match against the Japan team?

“I’ve always wanted to beat the Japanese team, but they were an incredibly high hurdle, and it was a great challenge for us.I myself have had the experience of training in Japan in the past, and I felt that it was more advanced and superior to what is being done in Taiwan.The battle against the Japanese team was quite challenging, but with this victory, we believe we have proven that we can compete on equal terms with Japanese Baseball. It’s an event so joyful it brings tears to my eyes.”

——What episode remains in your memory?

“It’s not about specific plays or events, but about the accumulation of each and every one.The expectations might not have been high, but the teammates, the manager, the coach, and the staff trusted each other, cooperated, and fought with all their might.The pitching staff focused on getting one out at a time within the innings given to them, and this became a factor in building the game.I believe that the home run by Chen Chieh-Hsien in the final was possible in that moment because of the home run hit by  Lyen Lin before, the hit by Chen Chen-Wei, and the four balls by Lin Li. Everyone fulfilled their roles, and the superb results were born out of our connection as a batting lineup.”

​​

This experience is a great support for the future life – Huang Tzu-Peng

—What did you gain from your experience at the WBSC Premier12?

“I feel that baseball and daily life will be a great support in my life going forward.I believe that many people did not expect the Taiwan representative to win, but we focused on what we could do and fought with all our might in each and every game.As a result, we were able to achieve excellent results. I believe this process will become an important element to overcome the hardships of life that will surely come in the future.”

— Could you tell us about a play that particularly left an impression on you?

“It was the moment when I was hit with a home run in the fourth inning of the final round against Venezuela.I threw that ball with confidence, but I was unable to control it properly.These frustrating moments will remain in memory forever.And, it teaches you the importance of having a sense of crisis within yourself. I felt it necessary to always maintain composure and control my emotions as much as possible.”

——Did you decide to throw that pitch yourself?

“It was a pitch thrown in unison with the catcher’s intent and mine.However, looking back later, I realized that the opponent was targeting that ball.I think it would have been better if I could have been a little more calm at that time. I learned that it is precisely when things are going well that one should remain calm and throw.”

——What episode remains in your memory?

“These are the words spoken by Manager Ceng Hao-Ju before the tournament.’Let’s chase our dreams with courage’, and, ‘There has been an inspiring story in every generation of Taiwan’s representatives so far. Therefore, it’s now our turn to create stories and make history’, he told us. This phrase struck a chord in my heart, and I still can’t forget it to this day.Encouraged by the Manager, I was able to achieve victory.”

My First Career Grand Slam Homerun is Deeply Etched in My Heart – Chen Chen-Wei

——Has this victory brought a positive impact to the Taiwanese Baseball scene?

“The overall atmosphere in Taiwan and the enthusiasm for baseball have greatly increased, and I believe that baseball will continue to attract attention. I feel that this is a very wonderful thing for Taiwanese Baseball.During the reception at the airport when I returned to my country and the victory parade, I was able to feel the excitement.I’m truly grateful to everyone who has supported me. And, I think we were able to let many people know that Taiwanese Baseball is a sport worth supporting.”

——How was your match against the Japan team?

“Japan’s batting, defense, and pitching were all extremely delicate, exactly the powerhouse team I had imagined.However, just because the opponent was Japan, I did not feel any special pressure, nor did I become timid.We approached the match with a strong desire to ‘absolutely win against Japan’.I believe that our success in the final match was not just due to luck, but also because we were able to fully demonstrate our abilities.”The final match, where we were able to shut out the Japanese team and furthermore stop their winning streak in international competitions, was extremely memorable.”

——What episode remains in your memory?

“It’s the process and outcome of the game itself, isn’t it. I spent time with my teammates, fought together, and won the game.My own grand slam, the excellent batting of my colleagues, solid defense, and encouraging words from the coach, all of these were indispensable for our victory.Among them, my career-first grand slam in the opening round against South Korea is deeply engraved in my heart.It was truly a special moment to be able to play against the Korean team at an international competition. Being able to show a good performance on such a grand stage and having many people see it brings me the greatest joy.”

If We Believe in Each Other, Results Will Follow – Wang Chih-Hsuan

——How do you feel about winning the championship?

“I was really happy to be chosen as a representative of Taiwan and to be able to fight for my country. Initially, I don’t think the expectations for us were that high, but I felt that if we trusted each other, the results would follow.”

——How was your match against the Japan team?

“I was very nervous when facing such formidable opponents because people all over the world know their strength.I felt that Japanese baseball is truly meticulous and a team worth learning from.We were able to win the final match, but there were several plays that should be taken as reference.”

——What episode remains in your memory?

“It’s the final round against America.The moment I took the mound was during a no-out situation with runners on second and third base.Before stepping onto the mound, I was really nervous when I was in the bullpen.’I can do this’, I told myself, encouraging myself to stand tall.As a result, we were able to minimize the crisis.Through this match, I feel that my experience and abilities have greatly improved.”

The players also felt that there were not high expectations before the tournament.However, they continued to challenge the high wall without giving up, and demonstrated an upset.The tenacious and greedy attitude of aiming for victory should undoubtedly work on the stage of Taiwan’s professional baseball as well.The future of Taiwan’s representative and the Rakuten Monkeys is becoming increasingly brighter.

EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)
TEXT: Kodai Wada