[The Epoch Times, December 24, 2022](Reported by Epoch Times reporter Li Yingxie, Chiayi, Taiwan) The promotion of baseball is persevering, and Chiayi City lives up to its reputation as the hometown of baseball. The city government takes root in baseball talents and continues to handle The Zhuluoshan Cup International Softball Invitational Tournament, entering its 25th session this year, is already an internationally renowned Little League arena.
Today (24th) the opening ceremony was held at the Chiayi Municipal Baseball Stadium. Mayor Huang Minhui, the head of the School Sports Division of the Ministry of Education’s Sports Department Cai Zhongyi, the director of the Republic of China Student Baseball League Dou Guozhao, and the American Association in Taiwan Kaohsiung Branch Huang Dongwei The director, as well as the promotional ambassador of this event, Chen Baiyu, who is also a player in the United States, and many other guests, jointly served as the kick-off pitcher, kicking off the fierce battle for the next 6 days. Despite the second cold current in winter this year, the enthusiasm and vitality of the contestants did not diminish, and the scene was very lively.
Mayor Huang Minhui said that due to the epidemic this year, overseas teams could not be invited, but a record-breaking 249 teams participated, including outlying islands such as Penghu and Kinmen. , a total of 189 teams in the upper grades and 60 teams in the lower grades, the competition registration is quite enthusiastic. Chiayi City is the hometown of baseball, and the story of KANO’s battle against Jiashien makes people excited. The Zhuluoshan Cup Little League is an important arena for many young baseball players. It is hoped that the young players will “play happily”, make friends with the ball, learn from each other, and achieve ideal results.
This time, Chen Baiyu, a star of tomorrow who is shining in the baseball world, is also specially invited as the spokesperson. He has won the Most Valuable Player of the 2016 South China Financial Holdings Cup National Youth Baseball Championship and the 2019 U-18 World Cup Baseball Championship. Next, in October 2020, he joined the Pittsburgh Pirates of the American Major League Baseball. The signing fee is the highest for a Taiwanese player after the implementation of the limit amount in the major leagues. Chen Boyu’s hard work is believed to be the best role model for the young players. In his speech, he also encouraged the young players not to care about winning or losing. The important thing is to enjoy every moment of the game on the court!
Thanks to everyone for supporting the Zhuluoshan Cup Little League. It is not easy to hold each game. Thank you to every referee, coach and parent, because you have put your heart into it and let the children sweat on the court. The city government attaches great importance to baseball. After the refurbishment of the KANO baseball stadium in Chiayi City, the equipment is novel and meets international competition standards. Both participating players and spectators can enjoy the convenience and excitement brought by the new stadium.
The Department of Education stated that today’s opening event invited professional baseball cheerleaders, mascots, Japanese Overseas Chinese Thunder Team, Daye Junior High School Baseball Team and foreign teachers to perform a series of performances to heat up the atmosphere. Everyone reviewed the wonderful games, and then the Chiayi City Boaiguo Little Baseball Team took the oath of athlete representatives; the 25th Zhuluoshan Cup Little League Game was held from December 23rd to 29th in 12 stadiums in Chiayi County and City. Compared with previous years, the final 4 rewards will be awarded, and individual awards will be set up, including the Most Valuable Player, Strike Award and Best 9 players.
Editor in charge: Li Wei