TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA, 中華民國棒球協會) invited Japanese baseball legend Sadaharu Oh (王貞治) to visit Taiwan in February 2026. The association extended the invitation Friday (Nov. 7) to congratulate Oh on receiving Japan's Order of Culture last month for his sports contributions.
Association chairman Jeffrey Koo (辜仲諒) praised Oh's efforts in promoting baseball exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. Taiwan plans to host a warm-up game with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in late February 2026 before the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March.
The association plans to organize a lecture for Oh to engage with Taiwan's baseball community and guide the national team. Oh expressed willingness to assist, stating he would be delighted to help if his health permits. The Japanese legend has maintained deep connections with Taiwan throughout his career.
Koo hopes Taiwan can continue momentum from its 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier12 victory, Taiwan's first world championship. The chairman aspires for Taiwan to advance to the 2026 WBC finals alongside Japan, fulfilling Oh's prediction of qualitative change in Taiwanese baseball. ◼