From Chinese Taipei, Jason Pan
The game of baseball and its fans were the true and only winners, as NPB (the japanese Major Leagues) Samurai Japan played a CPBL (Chinese Taipei professional league) All Star team for the charity game at the Tokyo Dome this past weekend. CPBL players and officials said they were honored to participate, and thankful for the chance of showing solidarity to the japanese people for the continuing relief and recovery efforts.
The East Japan Earthquake Relief Baseball Match. took place on the disaster event’s one-year anniversary, resulted in the 9-2 win for the japanese side.
However, all agreed the outcome was of secondary importance, as the focus is on the good cause and the game of baseball – in expressing support and rally people together, and cementing friendly international relationships.
Speaking after the contest ended in Tokyo, CPBL Commissioner Hwang Jenn-Tai said: “Atmosphere at the game is quite emotional and very moving. We saw such a big crowd at the ballpark. This shows baseball is a strong, positive force and carries big responsibility for the society.”
The Samurai Japan vs. CPBL Chinese Taipei game serves to help the people in the earthquake-affected regions, with portions of the proceeds going to the disaster victims for the recovery and rebuilding works.
After the final out, CPBL players came out to the field and tipped their caps to the Japanese fans in a gesture of friendship and appreciation.
Catcher Cheng Da-Hong (Sinon Bulls) said the crowd’s response was overwhelming: “The 35,000 fans in the Dome let out big roars and loud applause. They also thanked us by repeatedly chanting Taiwan, Taiwan. It was very moving. My heart was swelling inside. I will never forget this for the rest of my life.”
CPBL players also spoke of their enjoying this visit to Tokyo and were pleasantly surprised by the passion of Japanese baseball fans. They met with enthusiastic local people, both seeking autographs and expressing gratitude, everywhere the CPBL baseballers went during their stay in Tokyo.
The players on both sides also exchanged personal gifts prior to the game, and many got talking to their counterparts about training regime and hitting techniques. Hence, in addition to bringing people together, the game also enabled to build up personal relationships between players of different nationalities, as part of this international baseball and cultural exchange.
Head coach for CPBL team Luo Kuo-Chang summed it up: “This was a game to remember. It was full of goodwill and special feelings. Both sides put on a good performance for the fans. We are very honored and happy to participate in this baseball charity event.”
