Chen Chen-Wei Becomes a Father, Shares Nervous First Baby-Holding Experience with a Smile

(Tainan, June 16, CNA reporter Su Chih-Yu) Rakuten Monkeys outfielder Chen Chen-Wei recently celebrated the birth of his daughter. Reflecting on his first experience as a new father, he smiled and said, 'I was really nervous at first because she was so tiny.' Now, his only wish is for his child to grow up happy and healthy.

Chen got engaged to Julia, a cheerleader for the CTBC Brothers, at the end of last year and officially registered their marriage. On June 6 this year, he took a temporary leave from the team, as his daughter was born that day. Speaking at a media group interview today, Chen recalled the moment of birth: 'My mind went completely blank. I just saw this little person come out, and realized I had become a father—it felt so surreal.'

Since the delivery was a scheduled cesarean section, the timing was known in advance. Chen said he wasn’t overly anxious during the waiting period, as excitement outweighed nervousness. Ever since the birth, he has been visiting the postnatal care center during his days off to learn how to feed, change diapers, and clean the baby.

Since becoming a father, Chen has played only two games, so he hasn’t yet noticed any change in his mindset on the field. However, he sees learning new things as an inevitable part of life. 'Before, it was just me. Now, I have two or three people to take care of,' he said. (Edited by Chen Jen-Hua) 1150616