TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a momentous triumph that reverberated across the island, Taiwan clinched the WBSC Premier 12 championship with a stunning victory over Japan. The celebration reached a crescendo on Tuesday (Nov. 26) as the government orchestrated a grand parade, inviting citizens to bask in the shared glory and national pride.
Many veteran fans felt emotional during the celebration, reflecting on both the triumph and the sport's darker days. In the 1990s, the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL, 中華職棒) attracted a large following. However, scandals in 2009, where organized crime controlled players through threats or bribes, led to a sharp decline in attendance. Now, the sport has revived its status as Taiwan's "national sport."
Peng Chi-hsuan (彭之軒), a fan since 1990, admitted he stopped watching during the scandal years out of disappointment. He expressed pride in the team's quiet efforts and progress, placing them among the elite. Li Chun-chieh (黎俊杰) recalled past low points, such as games between the Unilions (統一獅) and Chinatrust Whales (中信鯨) with fewer than 100 fans, highlighting Taiwan baseball's resurgence.
Reforms have been crucial in the sport's recovery. After the gambling scandals, the CPBL collaborated with prosecutors to establish an anti-gambling mechanism and implemented a free-agent system to provide players with better salary protection. Additionally, the introduction of sports betting in 2008 allowed fans to place legal bets, helping to steer the gambling culture in a positive direction.
Veteran fan Mr. Chen believes Taiwan's intelligence work is key to winning the championship. Unlike previous matches, where blind guessing was used, the intelligence work involved detailed research on the strengths and weaknesses of players from each country.
Furthermore, the adoption of sports science has been a critical factor in improving player performance. In the past, baseball training emphasized hard work and endurance, requiring players to run laps around the field. However, training now incorporates various fitness data, allowing for more strategic and targeted workouts.
Lien Hao-chuan (連浩銓), a baseball commentator, noted that CPBL attendance reached a record high this year, attributing it to improved gameplay and marketing strategies. Taiwan baseball's revival is a reminder that failure is not to be feared; goals can be achieved by finding the correct methods and progressing step by step.