The Seven Tiger’s Despondence

Seven Tigers returned in the rain (Photo by Mr. Hsieh Shih Yuan)

　　After the national game was over, Mr. K.C.H. went to the World Little League Pacific Regional Meeting in Japan. He succeeded in inviting the Chairman of WLL to visit Taiwan, thereby enhanced the development of Little League baseball in Taiwan.
　　The next year, the Seven Tigers Team won the Far East Regional game after beating the Philippines and Japanese teams. Yet, due to the pressure from too many expectations from the countrymen, the team failed to win again by losing one point to the Nicaraguan Team. When the team returned to Taiwan, they were still greeted with warm embraces, cheers and encouragements.

In 1971, the Giants with pride and elation

The Giants' victory in 1971 (Photo by Yahoo Japan)

　　Under a very unfriendly atmosphere and the setbacks of the Seven Tigers, the Giants were expected more than usual. The team was lost at first but triumphed in the end. This also fitted the slogan “Be strong and rely on yourself, then nothing can frighten you.” at that time. Overseas Chinese came from the US and Canada surged to Williamsport and shed tears by the Giants’ victory.

In 1974, the triple crowns era started

Kaosiung Li Der Memorial tadium (Photo by Mr. Hsieh Shih Yuan)

　　In 1974, Taiwan’s little league, Senior League, and Big League teams went to the US for the first time together.? The three teams won the championship at the same time. Since then, the “triple crowns” was a term made every Taiwanese felt proud of. The Taiwan team achieved this honor for six times in the baseball history.
1974：Li-Der LLB, Mei-Her JLB, Chinese All Star SLB
1977：Li-Der LLB, HwaShinJLB, Chinese All Star SLB
1978：PingKuan LLB, Ron Kong JLB, Chinese All Star SLB
1988：Taipin LLB, Mei-Her JLB, Rong Kong SLB
1990：ShanHwa LLB, Mei-Her JLB, Mei-Her SLB
1991：DaRen LLB, Mei-Her JLB, Mei-Her SLB

Baseball Became National Ball

How baseball evolved from Yakyu to national ball has its historical and political indcations. During Japanese Occupation, Taiwanese proved themselves not inferior with baseball. After 1968, baseball became the few activities that spoke out for Taiwan. Baseball, therefore, became an important policy of the government.