Former Hanshin Tigers Pitcher Minoru Iwata Reveals Why He Declined CPBL Offer

Former Hanshin Tigers left-handed pitcher Minoru Iwata made an appearance as the ceremonial first pitch at a recent Fubon Guardians game in Taiwan, part of the "Tiger Alliance" theme day event. He was joined by his former teammate and current Fubon Guardians Deputy General Manager, Lin Wei-chu, who squatted to receive the pitch, marking the start of the game.

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Baseball is not the most mainstream sport globally, and perhaps not as popular as it once was. Through this kind of exchange, more people can become interested in baseball. It's a very good exchange.

Iwata, who had a career record of 60 wins and 82 losses with a 3.38 ERA in 200 appearances (193 starts) in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, shared a personal anecdote about his connection with Lin. "Lin and I have known each other since university," Iwata said. "He was my senior at the Hanshin Tigers. The day my daughter was born, the team won, and I threw a shutout. Lin hit the game-winning RBI. We have a bond of mutual appreciation."

Reflecting on his past, Iwata disclosed why he did not accept an offer to play in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) several years ago. "I had already announced my retirement, and I had a left shoulder injury, so I didn't accept the invitation," he explained. "This time, being invited to participate in the event, I've discovered a deep connection with Taiwan."

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Lin and I have known each other since university. He was my senior at the Hanshin Tigers. The day my daughter was born, the team won, and I threw a shutout. Lin hit the game-winning RBI. We have a bond of mutual appreciation.

Iwata believes that international exchanges are crucial for promoting baseball. "Baseball is not the most mainstream sport globally, and perhaps not as popular as it once was," he commented. "Through this kind of exchange, more people can become interested in baseball. It's a very good exchange."

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I had already announced my retirement, and I had a left shoulder injury, so I didn't accept the invitation. This time, being invited to participate in the event, I've discovered a deep connection with Taiwan.