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Veteran Chen Yung-chi hits final All-Star homer, wins MVP at 43

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Chen Yung-chi, playing in his final CPBL All-Star Game before retirement, hit his first career All-Star home run at age 43.
  • He became the oldest player to homer in an All-Star Game and was named MVP, contributing to the Stars' 1-0 victory.
  • Chen also played shortstop, a familiar position from his early career, and cherished the moment of playing alongside younger players like Chiang Kun-yu.

Veteran baseball player Chen Yung-chi marked his final appearance in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) All-Star Game with a memorable performance, hitting his first career All-Star home run and earning the MVP award. The 43-year-old, who is set to retire after the season, became the oldest player to hit a home run in the All-Star Game, contributing to the Stars' 1-0 win over Taiwan.

"I will always remember this moment!" Chen exclaimed after the game. He described the feeling of hitting the home run as "magical and lucky," especially as it came in his last All-Star appearance. He admitted to slowing down his trot around the bases to savor the moment and thank the fans for their support over the years.

I will always remember this moment!

— Chen Yung-chiReflecting on his final All-Star Game performance.

Adding to the significance of the day, Chen also played shortstop in the ninth inning, a position he held when he first joined the Uni-President Lions in Taiwan. "It felt a bit strange because I haven't played there in so long," he said. "But I wanted to return to shortstop one last time, even if it was just for one out. Thank you to the manager for giving me the opportunity."

It felt a bit strange because I haven't played there in so long. But I wanted to return to shortstop one last time, even if it was just for one out. Thank you to the manager for giving me the opportunity.

— Chen Yung-chiDescribing his experience playing shortstop in the ninth inning.

Chen also shared a moment with younger player Chiang Kun-yu, recreating a photo from 14 years prior when Chiang was a child. "Seeing young players take the baton is truly gratifying," Chen said. "I hope they continue to work hard for Taiwanese baseball." He also recalled an at-bat against former MLB pitcher Wang Chien-ming, joking that he wasn't sure how to hit against a "senior" player.

The win also ended a nine-game losing streak for manager Kuo Tze-chian in All-Star Games. Chen mentioned that helping Kuo achieve this victory was a goal, as Kuo had urged him to "hit a big one" during the game. Chen emphasized that the team's focus was not just on his home run but on securing the win, particularly by defending a bases-loaded, no-out situation in the sixth inning, which he described as his most focused and engaged moment in recent years.

Seeing young players take the baton is truly gratifying. I hope they continue to work hard for Taiwanese baseball.

— Chen Yung-chiCommenting on playing alongside younger teammates.
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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