TAIPEI (TVBS News) — CTBC Sports Entertainment (中信育樂) invited the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (福岡軟銀鷹) to play in Taiwan next spring, marking the Japanese team's first return in 24 years. The announcement came Thursday (Oct. 16) as the CTBC Brothers (中信兄弟棒球隊) supported the Hawks during their Climax Series game against Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (北海道日本火腿鬥士隊) at Fukuoka Dome.
Kao Ing-chieh (高英傑), vice chairman of CTBC Sports Entertainment, congratulated the Hawks on their first-game victory and expressed hopes for Taiwan Series beginning Oct. 18. "We hope both teams can showcase their best results," Kao said. He acknowledged Sadaharu Oh (王貞治), Hawks president and baseball legend, for contributions to Taiwanese baseball while anticipating CTBC's 60th anniversary celebration.
The expanded Taiwan-Japan exchange games next spring at Taipei Dome will feature the CTBC Brothers and Hawks, with Taiwan's WBC national team also invited to participate. The initiative enhances baseball bonds between the two nations. The Hawks last played in Taiwan in 2002 during the first overseas regular season match by a Japanese professional team. ◼