Growth curves vary greatly.There are those who capture titles at a young age, and there are those who play a central role over many years.Chu Yu-Hsien, a player who has diligently worked hard since his student days, has grown to become a slugger representing Taiwan's professional Baseball league 'CPBL'.How did he manage to ascend the stairway to stardom?

The 2019 season was truly breathtaking.With a batting average of .347, 30 home runs, and 105 RBIs, they made a great contribution.Since then, he has been leading the team as the main gun of the Rakuten Monkeys.The batting of Chu, a player who possesses both power hitting and technique, is reminiscent of Yuki Yanagita, the mainstay of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, who he himself says he “takes as a reference.” However, behind the scenes, he continues to engage in steady training and conditioning.As he entered his thirties and reached his prime, what he always emphasizes is the “importance of preparation”.The reason I can continue participating in matches like this is because I have been preparing every day to seize the upcoming opportunities.He believes that the future is built upon the accumulation of every day.

――Since his first year in 2016, Player Shu has been consistently participating in matches and has been actively serving as the team’s main artillery. Is there anything you strive for daily to extend your career and improve your performance?

Firstly, it’s about physical care.There is a trainer accompanying the team, so I am having my condition checked frequently.As an individual, I also contract with personal trainers and therapy clinics to engage in conditioning.I strive to maintain high performance over a long period by having them come to practice and games, and receiving advice from them.At the same time, mental care is also important.Every athlete experiences ups and downs, but in the past, when my performance wasn’t satisfactory, my mental state tended to decline.However, as I advanced in my career, I gradually understood ways to refresh my mind, such as spending more time with my family, or communicating with friends.I believe that taking occasional breaks and controlling my mental state can have a positive impact on my performance in competitions.

――Chu, you are a powerful hitter representing Taiwan. Do you feel any pressure being called the “big gun”?

Of course, there is pressure.I passionately engaged in weight training during my university days, and gained long-hitting power as my body grew larger. It wasn’t that I had a natural talent.When I’m having trouble hitting long, I feel the pressure, but I take pride in the ability I’ve acquired through my own efforts and the expectation of being a “slugger.”I believe they are able to transform pressure into motivation.In recent years, baseball has advanced in aspects such as analyzing opponent data, so instead of just trying to hit hard, players are now playing while using their heads according to the situation.

――The Rakuten Monkeys are maintaining their good form, but where do you think the secret of the team’s strength lies?

The teamwork is very good.Each player in the batting order understands the role they should play, so even if they are unable to produce a lot of home runs or hits, the lineup is connected and capable of scoring.I believe that’s where the strength lies.

――What do you feel is necessary for the Rakuten Monkeys and Taiwanese Baseball to become a more high-level league?

Firstly, regarding the Rakuten Monkeys, I believe that it is crucial to intensify the competition between the first team and the second team.If the second-string players get serious, it can create a sense of crisis among the first-string players, and the development of young players can contribute to the overall improvement of the team.In terms of the development of Taiwanese Baseball, there is a need to improve the environment in which Baseball is played.Of course, the location where the ballpark is built is important, but we also urgently need to enhance the hardware aspects, such as facilities where players can focus on the game, stands where spectators can enjoy themselves, and so on.By doing so, the entire league will likely become better.

――Finally, could you give some advice to children who are aspiring to become professional baseball players?

I believe what’s important is to prepare with high aspirations.If you don’t set clear dreams and goals from a young age and work towards them, you won’t be able to seize the opportunity when it comes your way.During my amateur days, I had only ever played as a first baseman. However, upon turning professional, I felt that “I might not be used in games if I continue like this,” and decided to challenge myself in other positions.Nowadays, I’m used more often in the outfield, and if I had only practiced first base at that time, I might not be able to play in games now.I feel it’s important to always be prepared so as not to miss an opportunity that might come unexpectedly.

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