Mets Taiwan Day bridges US and Taiwan through baseball

The New York Mets celebrated their 22nd annual "Taiwan Day" at Citi Field, reinforcing the strong connection between Taiwan and the United States through the shared passion for baseball. The event, a long-standing tradition in Major League Baseball, drew thousands of Taiwanese fans, many wearing team jerseys, to the stadium located in the Flushing area, a hub for the Taiwanese diaspora.

This year's festivities featured Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) President Tsai Chi-chang and NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren as the honorary first pitch guests. President Tsai threw the ceremonial pitch using a blue glove embroidered with the Taiwanese flag and the word "Taiwan," accompanied by the popular "Ou Gao" doll, a mascot representing the CPBL. This act symbolized sports diplomacy, bridging the gap between the two nations.

"I am very happy. Coming to a baseball field temporarily makes you forget many unpleasant things," said Tsai Chi-chang. "More importantly, it allows Taiwan to be seen by the world. Taiwanese and Americans both love baseball. We can be together not only through democracy but also through baseball. This is very meaningful."

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I am very happy. Coming to a baseball field temporarily makes you forget many unpleasant things. More importantly, it allows Taiwan to be seen by the world. Taiwanese and Americans both love baseball. We can be together not only through democracy but also through baseball. This is very meaningful.

During his visit to the U.S., Tsai engaged in discussions with MLB and team executives regarding strengthening professional baseball ties, exchanges, and cooperation between Taiwan and MLB. He expressed Taiwan's strong interest in hosting MLB games, highlighting the nation's new 40,000-seat domed stadium and inviting MLB to consider Taiwan for future overseas games.

Astronaut Kjell Lindgren shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I am very excited to be here to attend Taiwan Day and celebrate the partnership between the United States and Taiwan. I wish the fans celebrating Taiwan Day at the Mets good luck." The event also included appearances by Taiwanese legislators and interactions with overseas Taiwanese communities, further solidifying the cultural and sporting exchange.

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I am very excited to be here to attend Taiwan Day and celebrate the partnership between the United States and Taiwan. I wish the fans celebrating Taiwan Day at the Mets good luck.