Fubon Guardians' Lin Tse-pin Stays Positive Despite Often Being MVP Runner-Up

(Central News Agency reporter Su Chih-yu, Taipei, June 6) Lin Tse-pin, a fielder for the CPBL's Fubon Guardians, hit a bases-clearing triple yesterday but missed out on the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. This scenario of playing well but being overshadowed by an even more outstanding teammate is not unfamiliar to him. Lin maintains a positive attitude, saying, "It means the team has a higher probability of winning."

Lin has recorded 12 games with 3 or more hits and 3 games with 3 or more RBIs in his career, totaling 15 outstanding performances without winning the game MVP. His sole game MVP award came on September 30, 2022, when he hit a go-ahead single in the top of the 12th inning.

This is not a case of being overlooked, but rather often finishing second in the MVP race. For example, yesterday Lin hit a 3-RBI triple, but catcher Chang Yu-hao drove in the go-ahead run and also threw out two base stealers. On May 13, Lin had 4 hits and 1 RBI but lost to Wang Nien-hao, who had 3 hits and 3 RBIs.

"It's okay," Lin said in an interview before today's game. He noted he is aware of this peculiar situation. "Sometimes it just happens that way. Of course, it's best when everyone plays well. I hope to make it a difficult choice for you (reporters)."

Maintaining a high batting average of .315 since the start of the season, Lin credited his coaches, including manager Mitsutaka Goto, hitting coach Kao Kuo-hui, and coach Masahiko Morino, for their advice. "When my swing mechanics go off, I need to make adjustments. The coaches help me notice these things. Sometimes a small difference can make a big difference," he said. (Editor: Lee Heng-shan) 1150606