Brothers Battery Communication Breakdown: Coach Hirano Explains Electronic Device Malfunction
A communication issue between the pitcher and catcher of the CTBC Brothers in the Chinese Professional Baseball League was caused by a signal delay in the electronic sign-sending device. Head coach Keiichi Hirano explained that pitcher Cheng Hao-chun, unaware of the hardware problem, lost focus and showed impatience. The team has discussed the issue multiple times and will strengthen hardware monitoring, instructing players to report any anomalies immediately.
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- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 19:24
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 19:32 (7 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 20:14 (42 min after Collected)
New Taipei, April 15 (CNA) A communication problem occurred between the pitcher and catcher of the CTBC Brothers team in the Chinese Professional Baseball League yesterday. Head coach Keiichi Hirano today explained the situation, stating that the electronic sign-sending device experienced a signal delay at the time, affecting the pitcher's concentration. The team has communicated multiple times and will continue to work towards a consistent goal.
Brothers starting pitcher Cheng Hao-chun gave up 8 runs (7 earned runs) in just 3.1 innings against the TSG Hawks yesterday. During the game, he and catcher Chen Tung-en had multiple communication breakdowns, struggling to reach a consensus on signs and pitch selection, even resulting in two pitching clock violations. Cheng Hao-chun showed displeasure when he left the mound.
The Brothers coaching staff and players held an internal discussion. Today, head coach Keiichi Hirano issued a statement through the team, responding to external inquiries. First, he stated that the Pitchcom (electronic sign-sending device) used by the pitcher yesterday experienced a signal delay. Cheng Hao-chun did not realize it was a hardware issue at first, and the difficulty in receiving signs affected his concentration, leading to him showing a more agitated emotion on the field.
In addition, Hirano Keiichi explained that the receiving equipment in the dugout was operating normally, so the coaching staff did not detect a hardware problem on the field and left it to the pitcher and catcher to communicate. "We failed to intervene immediately regarding the equipment issue. This experience also made us realize that in the future, we need a more meticulous response mechanism for monitoring hardware support."
The Brothers team has formulated contingency measures for this technical delay and has also made players aware that professional equipment can also malfunction. "If something feels wrong, they should immediately signal proactively and let the coaching staff handle it."
The statement concluded, "Yesterday's situation has been resolved. Cheng Hao-chun is a very responsible player. Under pressure, his first thought was how to overcome difficulties and complete his pitching on his own. With the catcher not receiving feedback, a rhythm gap occurred between the two." It also emphasized that both parties and the coaches have discussed the matter multiple times on the sidelines and after the game, and the team has reached a consensus to fully commit to every upcoming game. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150415
Brothers starting pitcher Cheng Hao-chun gave up 8 runs (7 earned runs) in just 3.1 innings against the TSG Hawks yesterday. During the game, he and catcher Chen Tung-en had multiple communication breakdowns, struggling to reach a consensus on signs and pitch selection, even resulting in two pitching clock violations. Cheng Hao-chun showed displeasure when he left the mound.
The Brothers coaching staff and players held an internal discussion. Today, head coach Keiichi Hirano issued a statement through the team, responding to external inquiries. First, he stated that the Pitchcom (electronic sign-sending device) used by the pitcher yesterday experienced a signal delay. Cheng Hao-chun did not realize it was a hardware issue at first, and the difficulty in receiving signs affected his concentration, leading to him showing a more agitated emotion on the field.
In addition, Hirano Keiichi explained that the receiving equipment in the dugout was operating normally, so the coaching staff did not detect a hardware problem on the field and left it to the pitcher and catcher to communicate. "We failed to intervene immediately regarding the equipment issue. This experience also made us realize that in the future, we need a more meticulous response mechanism for monitoring hardware support."
The Brothers team has formulated contingency measures for this technical delay and has also made players aware that professional equipment can also malfunction. "If something feels wrong, they should immediately signal proactively and let the coaching staff handle it."
The statement concluded, "Yesterday's situation has been resolved. Cheng Hao-chun is a very responsible player. Under pressure, his first thought was how to overcome difficulties and complete his pitching on his own. With the catcher not receiving feedback, a rhythm gap occurred between the two." It also emphasized that both parties and the coaches have discussed the matter multiple times on the sidelines and after the game, and the team has reached a consensus to fully commit to every upcoming game. (Editor: Lung Po-an) 1150415