Taiwanese Baseball Legend Chen Yung-Ki Retires Amid Emotional Stadium Farewell

A legendary chapter in the history of Taiwan professional baseball was officially turned today. Chen Yong-ji, a veteran star of the Uni-Lions in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), came on as a pinch hitter in the late innings of Game 4 of the postseason championship series. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he recorded a hit. Subsequently, at the direction of the coaching staff, he left the game to rest, formally drawing a period to his decades-long playing career. As he walked off the field, the applause and cheers from the fans were unceasing. Even the fans of the opposing team, the CTBC Brothers, chanted his name in unison after the game, demonstrating the highest form of respect that transcended team boundaries.

At 43 years old, Chen holds a pivotal status in the Taiwan baseball community. In his early career, he traveled to the United States to pursue a career in Major League Baseball, playing within the Seattle Mariners system. He struggled for years in the minor leagues and was once highly regarded as having a realistic chance of reaching the sport's highest level. However, injuries soon tested his professional trajectory, yet he demonstrated remarkable resilience. After returning to Taiwan, he joined the Uni-Lions, where he made outstanding contributions in both batting and fielding. With a steady leadership style, he became the spiritual leader of the team. Over the years, he accompanied the Uni-Lions through many highs and lows, witnessing the generational shift in the Taiwan professional baseball landscape.

The game carried immense pressure for the Uni-Lions, who were fighting for a spot in the next round. Yet beyond the stakes of the match, the focus of the entire stadium naturally converged on the final on-field appearance of this seasoned veteran. When the game reached a critical inning, the coaching staff decided to give the veteran one last chance to stand in the batter's box. The entire crowd held its breath. The moment his bat connected with the ball, the white sphere dropped for a hit, and the stadium instantly erupted. This hit was not only a perfect ending to his personal professional career but also the best annotation of his years of hard work. The coaching staff immediately called a timeout, allowing Chen to leave the field to receive a standing ovation from the fans. This moment became one of the most touching scenes in the history of CPBL postseasons.

Chen's departure symbolizes not only the retirement of a player but also the gradual fading of Taiwan's "Golden Generation" from the baseball stage. From a regular member of the national team in the past to a pillar on the professional field, his professional attitude, self-discipline, and the composure he displayed in high-pressure moments have always served as the best role models for younger players. Throughout his long career, he endured countless high-tension games and the torment of injuries, yet he always maintained his passion for baseball. His retirement has left many fans, who grew up watching him play, deeply reluctant to say goodbye, and has prompted people to recall the glorious years when Taiwan baseball shone on the international stage.

The post-game scene was equally moving. The clamor of victory and defeat temporarily receded, and the fans of both teams displayed a rare unity. Whether it was the Uni-Lions fans in their orange ribbons or the CTBC Brothers fans in their yellow shirts, they discarded the adversarial mindset of the game and chanted Chen's name in unison. This tribute, crossing team boundaries, was not only an affirmation of Chen's personal skills but also the highest reward for his years of selfless dedication to Taiwan baseball. As Chen took off his jersey and waved goodbye to the entire stadium, his playing career officially came to a close. However, the footprints and spirit he left in the pages of Taiwan baseball history will be forever remembered by fans and the next generation.

(Source: Central News Agency)