TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is buzzing with anticipation as President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) rallied support on Thursday (Feb. 20) for Team Taiwan ahead of the 2025 World Baseball Classic (WBC) qualifiers. President Lai encouraged everyone to cheer for the national team as they prepare to face Spain, South Africa, and Nicaragua at the Taipei Dome (台北大巨蛋).
President Lai emphasized that the revamped lineup is ready and eager to compete under the guidance of the WBSC Premier12 championship coaching staff, which is led by Captain Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲). Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) echoed this enthusiasm, stating that, like the fans, he can't wait for the 2025 baseball season to begin. He is confident that Team Taiwan's new lineup will pass the test and advance to next year's WBC main tournament.
The qualifiers kick off Friday, and South Africa will face Nicaragua at noon. At 7 p.m., Team Taiwan will take on Spain, whose roster includes many Central and South American players. Taiwan will counter with sidearm pitcher Chen Yu-hung (陳宇宏), who will face former Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL, 中華職棒) Rakuten Monkeys (樂天桃猿) player Elian Leyva. As excitement builds, fans and officials alike are optimistic about Team Taiwan's chances in the qualifiers.
