Huang Yu-ju told to 'prepare his heart' after being drafted by Dragons, thanks late coach Wang Kuo-ching

(CNA Taipei, June 29) Pitcher Huang Yu-ju, a graduate of Taipei Tech High School, was selected by the Wei Chuan Dragons in the second round of the CPBL draft. His cousin Lai Yin-hao, who plays for the Rakuten Monkeys, paid close attention and messaged him to "prepare his heart." He also thanked his late junior high coach Wang Kuo-ching for his guidance, which allowed him to shine on the pitcher's mound.

Pitcher Huang Yu-ju was selected by the Wei Chuan Dragons in the second round. He said the pick was earlier than expected, as he had anticipated being drafted around the fifth round. His cousin Lai Yin-hao, who plays for the Rakuten Monkeys, was very concerned about him and, while following the draft, did not forget to send him a timely message: "He told me to prepare my heart and put on a good face." Although it's a little regrettable that he won't be on the same team as his cousin, he thanked the Dragons for their interest.

When asked about his impression of the Dragons, Huang Yu-ju said that when he was in his second year of high school, Chiu Chen, who previously played for the Wei Chuan Dragons, returned to Taipei Tech High School as a coach. From Chiu Chen, he saw a serious and proactive attitude, someone who wouldn't give up easily and held himself to high standards.

Huang Yu-ju's fastest pitch is around 147 kilometers per hour, and his slider has received high praise. He said he developed this slider during his junior high school years. Initially, he wanted to develop a one-finger curveball, but after pulling his arm away, the pitch kept sliding. Later, he added another finger to the ball, developing his signature slider.

Huang Yu-ju also expressed his gratitude to his head coach at Teyuan Junior High School, Wang Kuo-ching. He remembers hearing the news of Coach Wang Kuo-ching's passing while playing in a wood bat league in high school. It was very sudden and shocking. He thanked Coach Wang Kuo-ching for letting him be a pitcher and for his strict discipline during their three years in junior high. He has always kept these reminders in mind. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150629

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