Yushan Cup Catcher Huang Shih-Yao Delivers 3 Hits, 1 RBI; Focuses on Defense Through Specialized and Self-Directed Training

(CNA reporter Hsieh Ching-wen, New Taipei, June 14) Huang Shih-Yao started as catcher for New Taipei City in today's Yushan Cup youth baseball tournament and delivered offensively with 3 hits and 1 RBI, helping his team defeat Yunlin County 10-3. Huang shows natural hitting talent and has been diligently improving his defensive skills through specialized catching drills and self-directed training, earning praise from head coach Yang Hsiao-cheng for his visible progress.

In the 115th Yushan Cup youth baseball tournament, New Taipei City faced Yunlin County in the winners' bracket. Huang, starting as catcher and batting third, delivered a timely single in the first inning to score the team's first run. He hit doubles in the 4th and 6th innings, going 3-for-4 at the plate with 1 RBI—the game-winning RBI.

Coach Yang stated that Huang, currently in his second year of high school, has shown consistent improvement. He has always had strong hitting ability since his little league days and possesses natural talent at the plate. While defense can be enhanced through hard work, the team schedules daily specialized catching drills specifically for Huang during training periods.

Beyond the team's structured drills, Huang revealed he dedicates 2 to 3 extra days per week to approximately 1.5 hours of self-initiated training, asking teammates to toss balls to improve his receiving skills and defensive agility. He feels his performance behind the plate has noticeably improved in recent games.

Huang expressed confidence in his hitting but acknowledged room for growth: "I need to stay calmer at the plate and avoid being fooled too easily by pitchers' breaking balls."

Having played in the national team selection Yushan Cup for two consecutive years, Huang recalled his freshman year last year as tense, playing alongside seniors. With more competitive experience, he now feels increasingly comfortable and is beginning to enjoy the game.

Huang was a member of Taiwan's national team at the 2024 U-15 Baseball World Cup and hopes to earn a spot on the youth national team this year and wear the national jersey once again. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150614

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