As the second half of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) season continues, here is the top news and notes from last week in Taiwan’s highest level of professional baseball.
Potential Second Dome Stadium in Central or Southern Taiwan – On September 27, in a parliamentary interpellation session, the CPBL’s commissioner Tsai Chi-Chang, also a legislator, proposed the idea and possibility of building a second dome stadium in Taiwan according to a post on X from CPBL Stats. Currently, Taiwan has one indoor venue, the Taipei Dome in Taipei City, Taiwan. The Taipei Dome opened in October 2023, and can fit up to 40,000 people.
Second Dome Stadium in Central or Southern Taiwan? ????
In today's parliamentary interpellation session, #CPBL commissioner Tsai Chi-Chang (蔡其昌), who is also a legislator, proposed to the Taiwan's Premier the possibility of building a 2nd dome stadium in Taiwan. pic.twitter.com/Y390qufaq7
— CPBL STATS ???????? (@GOCPBL) September 27, 2024
Taiwan to host 2025 World Baseball Classic Qualifier – The pools were announced for the 2025 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers, and Taiwan will host one pool during the Qualifier. Joining Taiwan’s pool for a shot at reaching the World Baseball Classic in 2026 are Nicaragua, South Africa, and Spain. Games will be played in Taipei, Taiwan. The event will range from Feb. 19-26, 2025.
Chou Szu-Chi’s Retirement Series draws 40,000 fans on back-to-back nights – After a 20-year career in the CPBL, CTBC Brothers’ outfielder Chou Szu-Chi played his final two games of his CPBL career. The Taipei Dome would sell out on back-to-back nights, drawing over 40,000 fans both nights to watch the veteran outfielder one last time.
Chou would finish his career playing in 1,762 games, collecting 6,692 plate appearances, a .307 career average, 1,805 career hits, blasting 144 home runs in his 20-year career.
This Date in CPBL History – On this date in 2017, CTBC Brothers veteran Lin Wei-Chu announced his retirement. The outfielder/first baseman spent ten seasons in Japan with the Hanshin Tigers, before joining the Brothers at the beginning of the 2014 season. Throughout his four years playing in Taiwan, he played in 240 games, carried a career .288 average, hitting 12 home runs, and driving in 109 RBI’s.
CPBL Standings
1. CBTC Brothers (33-0-21)
2. Wei Chuan Dragons (29-0-25)
3. Rakuten Monkeys (27-1-25)
4. Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions (26-1-26)
5. TSG Hawks (22-1-31)
6. Fubon Guardians (21-1-30)
Photo: The interior of the Taipei Dome. (Photo courtesy of the Taiwan government)
