TSG Hawks Manager Hong I-Chung Picks Up 1,000th Career Win
Last Wednesday, TSG Hawks manager Hong I-Chung won the 1,000th game in his managerial career, becoming the first in CPBL history. The Hawks defeated the Rakuten Monkeys 5-0.
Hong I-Chung managed the La New Bears from 2004-09, Lamigo Monkeys from 2011-19, and Fubon Guardians from 2020-21. He is now managing the TSG Hawks for his first season. Hong I-Chung has won seven Taiwan Series championships in nine appearances.
“I never thought I could reach a thousand wins,” Hong I-Chung told ETtoday. “I often say I am just lucky to have many bosses who can tolerate my personality and are willing to give me time to develop my craft as a manager.”
Two New Rule Changes in CPBL
On Monday, the CPBL announced two new rule changes, which will take effect on May 28.
The league announced that catchers or other defenders will no longer be able to block the plate without possession of the ball. Additionally, teams will retain their challenges if successful. Both changes are similar to current rules in Major League Baseball.
Teams have two challenges they can use during the game’s first nine innings and can challenge a call once during extra innings. If the extra-inning challenge is successful, the team that made the challenge will retain their challenge, according to Focus Taiwan.
CTBC Brothers OF Chou Szu-chi to Retire at End of Season
CTBC Brothers’ 42-year-old outfielder Chou Szu-chi will retire from the CPBL at the end of the 2024 season, Focus Taiwan reported in March.
Chou was the CPBL MVP in 2012 with the Brother Elephants, hitting .365 with 21 home runs and 91 RBI. He won two Taiwan Series championships with the CTBC Brothers in 2021 and 2022.
Despite the news of his retirement a few months ago, Chou recently revealed his retirement plans on the podcast “Taipei Municipal Baseball Stadium.” On the podcast, Chou stated that he wishes to write 20 books about baseball besides the two he has already written and published.
This Day in Taiwanese Baseball History
On May 22, 2009, Taiwanese starting pitcher Chien-Ming Wang was activated from the disabled list for the New York Yankees but did not return to the starting rotation. He made three appearances for New York out of the bullpen before returning to the rotation.
Wang did not pitch for the Yankees from April 18 to May 22 during the 2009 season due to weakness in the adductor muscles in his hips. He earned his first win of the 2009 season on June 28 against the New York Mets.
Wang is the current pitching coach for the CTBC Brothers in the CPBL.
CPBL Standings as of Wednesday, May 22
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