Yang Dai-Kang has won numerous honors since turning pro in the first round of the 2005 high school draft, captivating baseball fans in Japan and Taiwan. He currently belongs to Oisix Niigata Albirex Baseball Club and has been playing in his 21st professional season, but announced his retirement on July 27.

In the first part, Oisix Niigata spoke about his feelings toward the young players, the conditioning unique to veterans, and his respect for his former classmates, including Masaru Takeda.
(For the first part, see here: The Bridge Between Japan and Taiwan—The Path of Yang Dai Steel: Challenging the Evolving baseball and Respecting My Peers)

In this second part, we delve into the growing number of Taiwanese players eager to challenge Japanese baseball, as well as the passionate pride of the 'Taiwan national team,' who once served on the front lines and has made remarkable progress in international tournaments in recent years.

To the young Taiwanese players challenging the Japanese baseball league

Currently, Pacific League has 11 Taiwanese players on its roster. Regarding the trend of younger players from his home country taking on the challenge of playing in Japan, Yang shared his convictions as a pioneer.

"I believe the most important thing when playing baseball abroad is learning the local language. You have to pay attention to the conversations going on around you and make an effort to communicate on your own. I really felt that when I went to the U.S.Even if your English isn’t great, if you try your hardest to talk with your teammates, they’ll recognize that you’re giving it your all and be willing to help you. That’s what it means to become one team, I felt.”

"I’d like the players coming to Japan to learn Japanese first. Of course, it’s important to have interpreters to help, but when players communicate directly with one another, they can fight together as ‘comrades in arms.’ I think that’s what’s important as teammates."

Over the past three years, at the farm team’s regular season, I’ve had the opportunity to play against young players from my hometown, such as Yi-Lei Sun, pitcher (Hokkaido Nippon-Ham), and others. Seeing them from the perspective of batter’s box, I feel a genuine sense of reliability.

"pitcher is getting bigger every year, and I can see his determination and mindset—he’s absolutely set on making a name for himself in Japan. After facing him last year and seeing him again this year, I got the sense that he has a clear vision of the path he wants to take."

The pride of the Taiwanese representatives and the power of the "behind-the-scenes" supporters who underpin their success.

Yang is still talked about by fans in both Japan and Taiwan for the spirited play he displayed in the 2013 WBC and other tournaments. For him, the "Taiwanese national team jersey" held a special meaning that motivated him.

"Not just with the Taiwanese national team, but also with The Fighters, Giants, American teams, and even with Oisix now, wearing jersey comes with a great sense of responsibility and mission. You're fighting with this brand on your back, so you can't afford to make any mistakes."

However, when I was representing Taiwan, I didn't feel like I was fighting alone; I had the feeling that 'all of Taiwan was fighting together.' When we won, everyone was happy, and when we lost, everyone was disappointed. That's what being part of a team is all about. I've always cherished that sense of responsibility."

In recent years, the Taiwanese national team has shown remarkable progress in international competitions. As a former player who once represented the team, I observe the "organizational growth" behind the success of the younger generation from my own unique perspective.

"Of course, the players' abilities have improved and they are growing through hard work, but what I feel most strongly is that the 'behind-the-scenes' support has really come into play. There is a system in place where scouts, data analysts, trainers, and others are providing solid support. For a team to become strong, it is absolutely essential that not only the players but also the support staff work together as one. I think it is truly wonderful that such an environment is now being put in place within the national team."

From his youthful struggles in a foreign land, to his gratitude to the people behind the scenes supporting the current rise of Taiwanese baseball. Every word in Yang's words was filled with deep respect for the sport of baseball and love for everyone involved.

Finally, the back he showed in Niigata, and his pride as a 'bridge between Japan and Taiwan' that continued to be a beacon for the next generation. The passion and many words he left behind for ground will surely live deeply in the hearts of baseball fans in Japan and Taiwan.

Text & Pacific League Insight Editorial Department