TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese pitcher Chen Wei-yin (陳偉殷), 39, announced his retirement on social media Wednesday (Feb. 26) and expressed gratitude for his 20-year professional career.
Chen, the first Taiwanese player to transition from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to Major League Baseball (MLB), said in his post, "It is time to retire."
Chen expressed his gratitude to the Chunichi Dragons of NPB for launching his career and the Baltimore Orioles of MLB for helping him achieve his big-league dreams. He also thanked the Chiba Lotte Marines for giving him the opportunity to return to Japan and challenge himself once again.
Despite injuries preventing further advancement in their team, Chen also thanked Japan's Hanshin Tigers, expressing gratitude for their sincerity. He thanked benefactors, family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support, which helped him persevere to the journey's end. Chen described his career as "a beautiful battle" and thanked everyone who accompanied him, acknowledging baseball for offering him a global stage.
