Baseball player-turned-employee model championed by former minister running for sports association chair

Former economic minister Guo Zhi-hui is seeking the chairmanship of the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association, bringing over 15 years of dedication to the sport into focus. Unlike typical corporate sponsorships that focus on brand exposure, Guo's company, Quan Yue Sports, established in 2011, has fully integrated its baseball players into the corporate structure. Many players who joined at the team's inception are now core members of both the team and the company.

Chen Jie-cheng, general manager of Quan Yue Sports, shared Guo's philosophy: "A player's career is not just for a moment, but a lifelong plan." This principle guides the team's recruitment, which assesses not only athletic skill but also character and potential for future growth. The company views each player as a full-time employee, not someone with a contract that ends after their playing career.

Chen relayed Guo's observation about the difficulties many athletes face after retirement due to a lack of secondary skills. This insight fueled the system's creation: companies supporting sports should plan for athletes' entire careers, including their transition after retirement, rather than merely seeking publicity. This philosophy is exemplified by Wu Si-xian, who progressed from head coach to team leader within Quan Yue Sports, witnessing the system's development from grassroots coaching to management.

Wu Si-xian noted that Quan Yue Sports' approach differs from traditional professional baseball by continuously investing in players' long-term development, prioritizing sustained growth over short-term results. Wang Chen-hao, deputy team leader and head of Quan Yue Sports' athletic department, who has been with the team since its formation in 2011, is pursuing an EMBA to enhance his management expertise. He highlighted the company's consistent support and opportunities for professional growth.

Chen Zhao-xun, a manager in Chong Yue Technology's third division, represents a successful transition. Recruited for his athletic ability, he moved into a sales role, initially finding the corporate world challenging. After five years of learning, he became proficient, applying skills like discipline, resilience, and teamwork honed on the baseball field to his business career. He now focuses on professional excellence and client service. Wu Cheng-da, another former player, has advanced to a senior manager position at Japan Chong Yue, demonstrating the system's reach into core corporate functions. Chen Jie-cheng stated that the company supports employees' learning and commitment, ensuring they have a path forward even after leaving the field, a practice implemented for fifteen years.