From Wanting to Quit Baseball to Wearing the Taiwan Jersey: Yunlin Youngster Zeng Kaicheng's Dream Comes True Ahead of Tokyo World Series

Yunlin's Zeng Kaicheng, the captain of the Xiluo Wenchang Elementary School baseball team, is set to fulfill a lifelong dream by representing Taiwan at the 2026 IBA World Junior Baseball Championship in Tokyo. The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 24 to 27.

Zeng is one of 16 players selected for the Taiwanese national team. His inclusion has generated excitement among local baseball enthusiasts and community members. Local officials, including councilor Li Mingzhe, Wenchang Elementary School principal Liao Miaoying, and Ciguang Township representative Li Qiushui, visited Zeng's home to congratulate him and wish him luck in Japan.

Zeng joined the Wenchang Elementary School baseball team in the second grade and currently serves as its captain. Head coach Zhang Yuyao described Zeng as an accurate, stable, and intelligent player with strong defensive skills, capable of playing infield, outfield, and even catcher. His fastest pitch speed reaches about 100 kilometers per hour.

Despite his current success, Zeng once considered quitting baseball due to the rigors of formal training. However, a visit to a U12 national team game with his father reignited his passion for the sport. By the fourth grade, he proactively chose to board at school to dedicate more time to training, leading to continuous improvement. His selection for the IBA national team is seen as a significant validation of his hard work throughout elementary school.

The Wenchang Elementary School baseball team boasts a history of over 30 years, nurturing numerous talented players. With facilities like a grass field, batting cages, and pitching practice areas, and a coaching staff of five, the team welcomes any child interested in playing baseball. Currently, there are 50 members across all grades from first to sixth.

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He is accurate, stable, and intelligent, with good defensive skills. He can play infield, outfield, and even catcher.