Baseball: Chen Yung-Chi hits double in hometown debut in final year

At 43, veteran baseball player Chen Yung-Chi finally played in his hometown of Taitung, a moment he had waited 5,623 days for. This appearance marked his debut in his final year before retirement, making it a deeply personal and emotional occasion.

Before the game, Chen's mother, along with other family members, performed a traditional indigenous dance, adding a cultural and familial layer to the event. His older brother, Chen Chih-Wei, who is four years his senior, served as the ceremonial first pitch guest. The brothers shared a warm embrace on the field, symbolizing their close bond.

Chen Chih-Wei, a retired army sergeant major, expressed mixed emotions about his brother's homecoming. "If it were me, I wouldn't want to see it because he's coming back, meaning he's preparing to retire. I don't want to see this day, but it will come, I can't bear to see it!" he admitted to reporters. He recalled watching his brother play baseball as a child and being inspired to pursue the sport.

Despite the emotional undercurrent of a potential farewell, Chen Yung-Chi delivered a performance to remember. In his first at-bat as the cleanup hitter for the Lions, he hit a double to left field on the first pitch from the opposing pitcher, driving in a run. This strong performance was a fitting way to honor his hometown and his family.

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If it were me, I wouldn't want to see it because he's coming back, meaning he's preparing to retire. I don't want to see this day, but it will come, I can't bear to see it!