Lin An-Ko Adapting to Japanese Professional Baseball, Seibu Batting Coach Points Out Issue of 'Bat Head Drop'
Lin An-Ko, a Taiwanese infielder for the Seibu Lions, is currently adapting to Japanese professional baseball, but his batting coach has identified a challenge with his 'bat head drop.' The Seibu management expects his power hitting but emphasizes that adaptation to Japanese pitchers and fine-tuning his batting form are crucial.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 13:06
- 🔍 Collected: April 24, 2026 at 13:31 (25 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 24, 2026 at 19:36 (6h 4m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Taipei, April 24, Central News Agency reporter Su Chih-She) Seibu Lions' Taiwanese infielder Lin An-Ko has hit his first home run in Japanese professional baseball, but his batting consistency still needs improvement. Japanese media specifically interviewed the Seibu manager and batting coach, pointing out that Lin An-Ko is still adapting to Japanese pitchers, and improving his 'bat head drop' could make a difference.
After transferring to Japanese professional baseball this year, Lin An-Ko has played in 20 games, hitting 15 singles and one walk-off home run. His batting average is .208, on-base percentage is .269, and his on-base plus slugging (OPS) is 0.616, placing him in the lower ranks among Pacific League hitters who meet the plate appearance criteria.
Japanese media 'Sportsnavi' reporter Daisuke Nakajima wrote an article analyzing Lin An-Ko's situation. When asked about the performance of foreign players, including Lin An-Ko, Seibu manager Fumiya Nishiguchi replied, "We will probably observe for about a month or so first."
Nishiguchi pointed out that Lin An-Ko has long-ball potential, but currently has areas where he needs to adapt. "He fouls off fastballs, and also swings at low outside pitches. But from batting practice, his swing pattern isn't bad."
Batting coach Yoshiie Tachibana further analyzed that Lin An-Ko's challenge lies in dealing with opponents' high and low pitching. "If he chases high outside pitches, it will be difficult to judge low pitches; the visual observation of high and low angles is connected."
However, Lin An-Ko's exit velocity is still excellent. Tachibana pointed out, "An-Ko has strong hitting power; he can get even better with just minor adjustments to his swing." Tachibana then explained in detail that Lin An-Ko was not originally the type to swing big, and could check his swing on bad pitches, but now because his bat head drops, he has to commit to a swing once he starts.
Lin An-Ko stated that since coming to Japanese professional baseball, he has not deliberately done anything different from his time in Taiwan. "It's just that I'm facing pitchers I've never seen before, and I'm still adapting to their pitches. Because I'm not familiar enough, I can't swing with full power yet; I'm focusing on adapting first. Once I get used to it, I'll have more confidence in my swing." (Edited by Lin Shu-Hui) 1150424
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-Hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
(Taipei, April 24, Central News Agency reporter Su Chih-She) Seibu Lions' Taiwanese infielder Lin An-Ko has hit his first home run in Japanese professional baseball, but his batting consistency still needs improvement. Japanese media specifically interviewed the Seibu manager and batting coach, pointing out that Lin An-Ko is still adapting to Japanese pitchers, and improving his 'bat head drop' could make a difference.
After transferring to Japanese professional baseball this year, Lin An-Ko has played in 20 games, hitting 15 singles and one walk-off home run. His batting average is .208, on-base percentage is .269, and his on-base plus slugging (OPS) is 0.616, placing him in the lower ranks among Pacific League hitters who meet the plate appearance criteria.
Japanese media 'Sportsnavi' reporter Daisuke Nakajima wrote an article analyzing Lin An-Ko's situation. When asked about the performance of foreign players, including Lin An-Ko, Seibu manager Fumiya Nishiguchi replied, "We will probably observe for about a month or so first."
Nishiguchi pointed out that Lin An-Ko has long-ball potential, but currently has areas where he needs to adapt. "He fouls off fastballs, and also swings at low outside pitches. But from batting practice, his swing pattern isn't bad."
Batting coach Yoshiie Tachibana further analyzed that Lin An-Ko's challenge lies in dealing with opponents' high and low pitching. "If he chases high outside pitches, it will be difficult to judge low pitches; the visual observation of high and low angles is connected."
However, Lin An-Ko's exit velocity is still excellent. Tachibana pointed out, "An-Ko has strong hitting power; he can get even better with just minor adjustments to his swing." Tachibana then explained in detail that Lin An-Ko was not originally the type to swing big, and could check his swing on bad pitches, but now because his bat head drops, he has to commit to a swing once he starts.
Lin An-Ko stated that since coming to Japanese professional baseball, he has not deliberately done anything different from his time in Taiwan. "It's just that I'm facing pitchers I've never seen before, and I'm still adapting to their pitches. Because I'm not familiar enough, I can't swing with full power yet; I'm focusing on adapting first. Once I get used to it, I'll have more confidence in my swing." (Edited by Lin Shu-Hui) 1150424
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-Hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.