Taiwanese baseball icon Chang Tai-shan becomes WBSC Mini Baseball Ambassador

Taiwanese baseball icon Chang Tai-shan becomes WBSC Mini Baseball Ambassador
20/12/2018

It seems Chang Tai-shan’s retirement does not put an end to his contribution in baseball since he is going to serve as Mini Baseball Ambassador named by WBSC.

It seems Chang Tai-shan’s retirement does not put an end to his contribution in baseball since he is going to serve as Mini Baseball Ambassador named by WBSC. Angelo Vicini, the Chair of WBSC Development Commission, was present to attend Chang Tai-shan ’s retirement ceremony yesterday and praised him as “the legendary baseball player in Taiwan baseball history as well as the role model for next generations”.

In addition to the ceremony, Vicini also visited Taichung to watch kids play in Tai-shan Mini Baseball Invitational. “It is a very impressive experience, especially when you see those kids play out there with full passion and energy for the game. Their love for the baseball will also motivate WBSC to promote Mini Baseball and inspire the whole organization for more ideas,” Vicini said.

After the game, Vicini stayed for Chang Tai-shan’s retirement ceremony and announced him as Mini Baseball Ambassador. “Chang Tai-shan is definitely the baseball legend in Taiwan. When he is on the street, you can see lots of people longing for having pictures with him. Moreover, I think his impact goes beyond Taiwan and even extends to the entire Asia.

“I firmly believe that with his popularity and his success in the baseball career, he will help the baseball community to engage more young generations to participate in this sport because he is not only a baseball hero on the field but also a role model people can look up to. We look forward to seeing his promotion on Mini Baseball,” said Vicini.

Chang Tai-Shan had a stellar career since the beginning. He was named Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) Rookie of the Year in 1996. Fourteen years later, in 2010, he became the first player in the history of the league to drive in 1,000 runs, and he holds the league record in career home runs (289) and hits (2,134). He finished his illustrious career in the Australian Baseball League (ABL) in 2018, hitting a grand slam in his final at bat.