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Taiwanese Baseball Star Yang Dai-kang Tears Up Announcing Retirement, Cites Physical Limits

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Taiwanese baseball star Yang Dai-kang announced his retirement from professional baseball after a 21-year career.
  • Yang, who played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and Yomiuri Giants, cited physical decline and the inability to overcome his own limitations as reasons for retirement.
  • He expressed gratitude to his former teams and reflected on his career, which included multiple All-Star selections and Golden Glove awards.

Taiwanese baseball star Yang Dai-kang tearfully announced his retirement from professional baseball at a press conference in Niigata City. The 39-year-old outfielder, currently playing for the Niigata Albirex Baseball Club's second team, will conclude his 21-year career after the current season.

As you get older, your body will definitely decline. I have to face reality and convince myself that I can't beat myself.

— Yang Dai-kangYang Dai-kang explained the physical realities that led to his decision to retire.

Yang, who began his career with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2006 and later played for the Yomiuri Giants from 2016 to 2021, reflected on his achievements. In his Nippon Professional Baseball career, he played 1,322 games, recorded 1,164 hits, 105 home runs, 482 RBIs, and 141 stolen bases. He was a three-time All-Star and won four Pacific League Golden Gloves and one stolen base title.

When asked about the reasons for his retirement, Yang became emotional. He stated that he had to confront his own internal struggles and the reality of physical decline. "As you get older, your body will definitely decline. I have to face reality and convince myself that I can't beat myself," he said, explaining that his mind knew what to do, but his body could no longer keep up.

I have to overcome my own inner obstacles. Before competing with others, I must compete with myself. If I cannot defeat myself, I cannot defeat others.

— Yang Dai-kangYang Dai-kang elaborated on the internal struggles that influenced his retirement decision.

He also expressed gratitude to his former teams, the Fighters and the Giants. Niigata second-team manager Atsunori Inaba made a surprise appearance at the press conference to present Yang with a bouquet and offer his best wishes. Inaba praised their shared experiences, calling their time together precious and encouraging Yang to continue being himself in his next chapter.

Although we experienced many wonderful things together and also had difficult times, being able to hone each other and work hard to get here today is a very precious memory for me. I hope you can continue to be yourself in the second stage of your life.

— Atsunori InabaAtsunori Inaba, manager of the Niigata second team, offered his congratulations and encouragement to Yang Dai-kang.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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