Taiwan's Little League Team Aims for Redemption at the World Series
Kuei-Shan Little League from Taoyuan, Taiwan, is back at the Little League World Series with a new roster and a determination to claim the title after a disappointing loss last year. The team, which came into South Williamsport last year with the hardest-throwing pitcher and left with third place in the tournament, is under the leadership of manager Lee Cheng-Ta.
Despite the lack of returning players, Cheng-Ta is confident in the team's ability to compete. "There's no one ace for the team and everyone is contributing," he said through an interpreter. While the team may not have the same firepower as last year, they are focused on building a strong foundation for success.
Taiwan's Path to Williamsport
Taiwan’s path to Williamsport began in the Asia-Pacific Region tournament, where they went 5-1. Eight teams competed over a week for a spot in the LLWS tournament. They lost to South Korea 13-3 but met the Koreans again in the regional final, where Taiwan won 3-0 at the beginning of July.
The team's strengths lie in their defensive prowess and smart play. "This team is very good defensively, (errors) are very rare," Cheng-Ta said. "As long as they can uphold that defensive game, they usually come up pretty well." Their offensive performance has also been impressive, with all of their other region tournament wins won by at least 10 runs and as much as 20.
Challenges and Expectations
Despite their strong performance, the team faced challenges in their preparation for the LLWS. There's no indoor facility in which the Little League team can practice back in Taoyuan, and July weather brings lots of rain, which limited the team’s preparation before traveling to the United States.
Cheng-Ta, however, is not letting the challenges overshadow the team's potential. "Because it's a different team, it's so difficult to get here," he said. "Either win or lose, enjoy the road to Williamsport and hopefully the kids have the best memory in Williamsport." He emphasized the importance of the experience and the opportunity for the players to create lasting memories.
Taiwan's Focus on Defense
Taiwan's focus on defense is evident in their recent performance. They have been able to overcome their physical limitations through smart play and a strong defensive strategy. The team's ability to minimize errors is a key factor in their success.
Taiwan's Hopes for the Future
While the Kuei-Shan Little League team is focused on the present, there are also hopes for the future. Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, visited the team during the opening day of the World Series and expressed his hopes for cooperation between Pennsylvania College of Technology and Taiwan.
"We are thinking in the future, we can build some cooperation between the college and Taiwan, so that more students from Taiwan can attend," Lee said. This collaboration could provide opportunities for Taiwanese students to pursue higher education in the United States and strengthen the ties between the two countries.
Taiwanese Support and Global Recognition
The Kuei-Shan Little League team has the support of a passionate fanbase back home in Taiwan. "In Taiwan, everybody knows of Williamsport. We get up very early to watch the games," said Lee. The team's participation in the Little League World Series has brought global recognition to Taiwan and has inspired young athletes worldwide.
The Kuei-Shan Team's Journey Continues
The Kuei-Shan Little League team's journey at the Little League World Series is just beginning. They will face stiff competition in the international bracket, but they are prepared to give it their all. With their strong defense, smart play, and the unwavering support of their fans, they are ready to make a run for the championship. The world will be watching as they strive to write a new chapter in their Little League story.
The Power of Little League
The Little League World Series is more than just a sporting event. It is a celebration of youth, sportsmanship, and the power of dreams. The Kuei-Shan Little League team's journey exemplifies these values. As they compete on the world stage, they are representing their country and inspiring a new generation of athletes. Their story is a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible.
