Baseball Legends Kudo Kimiyasu, Kuo Tai-yuan Share Memories, Intimidation in Taiwan

Former baseball legends Kudo Kimiyasu and Kuo Tai-yuan captivated fans in Taiwan with a special on-field talk during the "2026 Taiwan-Japan Double Lions Friendship Day." The event, marking the 11th year of exchange between the Uni-President Lions and the Seibu Lions, expanded its scale this year by holding the discussion at the Asia Pacific Baseball Complex.

Kimiyasu, who achieved over 200 wins in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, expressed his awe at Kuo's pitching prowess. "When I was practicing in the bullpen, I didn't dare to stand next to him," Kimiyasu admitted, recalling Kuo's powerful fastball despite having a slender wrist.

“

When I was practicing in the bullpen, I didn't dare to stand next to him.

Kuo, however, humbly attributed their proximity in the bullpen to Kimiyasu being a left-handed pitcher, suggesting their throwing motions could interfere with each other. He downplayed his own abilities, stating he practiced in a corner to avoid disruption.

During their visit to Taiwan, Kimiyasu also indulged in local delicacies. He shared a meal with Kuo, who insisted he eat more grouper, a specialty from southern Taiwan. The Uni-President Lions also prepared a spread of Tainan's famous dishes, including rice cakes, meat dumplings, and shrimp rolls. Kimiyasu also had the chance to try traditional Taiwanese zongzi, sparking a lighthearted debate among fans about the differences between northern and southern style粽子.

“

It's because Kudo is a left-handed pitcher, and our throwing motions could affect each other, so I practiced in the corner.