TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — Tsuyoshi Shinjō (新庄剛志), manager of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, departed for Japan from Taoyuan International Airport on Monday (March 3), after the team wrapped up its visit to Taiwan with a clean sweep in two exhibition games over the weekend.
The Fighters arrived in Taiwan last Thursday, facing off against the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions (統一獅) and the CTBC Brothers (中信兄弟) at Taipei Dome. They defeated the Lions 3-0 last Saturday, followed by an 8-0 victory against the Brothers the next day.
Shinjō noted that the Fighters' strong pitching staff gave the Taiwanese batters a tough challenge, providing valuable experience for his players. He praised the Taiwanese fans for their enthusiasm and focus. He highlighted the ongoing exchanges between the Fighters and Taiwanese baseball, crediting Assistant General Manager Ken'ichi Iwamoto (岩本賢一) for fostering these ties.
Shinjō was satisfied with his team's performance, but he expressed mixed feelings about the trip's success in discovering local talent, according to a related report. He hopes to see more Taiwanese talent join the Fighters annually, with a long-term goal of filling their home stadium, Es Con Field Hokkaido, with fans, half of whom are from Taiwan.
