CHANGHUA (TVBS News) — Taiwan team pitcher Chang Yi (張奕) on Monday (Dec. 2) expressed his dream of facing Shohei Ohtani (大谷翔平) in a baseball showdown. Chang, who attended a signing event at Show Chwan Memorial Hospital (彰化秀傳醫院), described Ohtani as "the strongest baseball player in the universe," highlighting the honor it would be to compete against him if Taiwan qualifies for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Taiwan recently clinched the championship at the WBSC Premier 12, with Chang playing a pivotal role. He pitched three scoreless innings in the final against Japan, helping secure the victory. Chang has accumulated five wins over two WBSC Premier 12 tournaments, making him the pitcher with the most wins in the competition's history.
During the championship game against Japan, Chang insisted on pitching through the seventh inning despite restrictions from his home team, demonstrating his commitment to leading Taiwan to victory. At the signing event, Liao Kuo-chao (廖國超), vice president of the Show Chwan Healthcare System, awarded Chang NT$210,000 in recognition of his achievements.
