Lee Hao-yu's pinch-hit MLB debut homer proves himself; plans to 'treasure first home run ball like a baby'
Taiwanese baseball player Lee Hao-yu hit his first career MLB home run as a pinch-hitter, contributing to the team's comeback victory. He stated he would "treasure the home run ball like a baby," demonstrating his readiness even from the bench.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 12:28
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 12:31 (3 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 27, 2026 at 12:35 (3 min after Collected)
TAIPEI (CNA) -- "Taiwan's Power Man" Lee Hao-yu has hit his first career home run in Major League Baseball. Today, he hit a two-run pinch-hit homer that helped the Tigers secure a comeback victory; Lee Hao-yu exclaimed that it felt very different, proving that even without starting, he is always prepared, and he joked that he would treasure his first home run ball like a baby.
Detroit Tigers' 23-year-old Taiwanese talent Lee Hao-yu hit his first career MLB home run in his 19th plate appearance, becoming the fifth Taiwanese player to hit a home run in Major League Baseball. At 23 years and 83 days old, he is the youngest Taiwanese player to hit a home run in MLB.
Today, in the game against the Cincinnati Reds, Lee Hao-yu was not in the starting lineup. In the 7th inning, with the team trailing 2-3 and runners on base, he hit a home run off Sam Moll. The exit velocity was approximately 170 kilometers, and the two-run shot helped the team take the lead; the Tigers ultimately won 8-3.
According to MLB official website reports, Lee Hao-yu said in an interview: "It feels very different." He had imagined it many times before, but the imagined scenario was as a starter. Today, it was as a pinch-hitter, and it felt great. Hitting a home run as a pinch-hitter also proved to the manager that he would always be prepared, whether starting or not.
After hitting the home run, Lee Hao-yu ran the bases excitedly. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch joked that his first thought was: "Please don't catch up with Torres," fearing that Lee Hao-yu would run too fast and overtake the runner ahead, Gleyber Torres.
Hinch stated that he saw Lee Hao-yu running fast and with determination, hoping he could enjoy this moment. He also liked seeing Lee Hao-yu's full commitment, believing this was the first time Lee Hao-yu truly felt like he was a key factor in the game, helping the team go from trailing to leading.
Recalling his recent promotion to the major leagues, Lee Hao-yu admitted that he struggled a bit on the first day and had discussed it with the coaches. Yesterday, he adjusted his rear leg during his swing, and it showed good results today.
Lee Hao-yu laughed, saying he was too happy after hitting the home run to notice if he ran too fast. As for his first home run ball, he said he would keep it well, "treasuring it like a baby." (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150427
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Detroit Tigers' 23-year-old Taiwanese talent Lee Hao-yu hit his first career MLB home run in his 19th plate appearance, becoming the fifth Taiwanese player to hit a home run in Major League Baseball. At 23 years and 83 days old, he is the youngest Taiwanese player to hit a home run in MLB.
Today, in the game against the Cincinnati Reds, Lee Hao-yu was not in the starting lineup. In the 7th inning, with the team trailing 2-3 and runners on base, he hit a home run off Sam Moll. The exit velocity was approximately 170 kilometers, and the two-run shot helped the team take the lead; the Tigers ultimately won 8-3.
According to MLB official website reports, Lee Hao-yu said in an interview: "It feels very different." He had imagined it many times before, but the imagined scenario was as a starter. Today, it was as a pinch-hitter, and it felt great. Hitting a home run as a pinch-hitter also proved to the manager that he would always be prepared, whether starting or not.
After hitting the home run, Lee Hao-yu ran the bases excitedly. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch joked that his first thought was: "Please don't catch up with Torres," fearing that Lee Hao-yu would run too fast and overtake the runner ahead, Gleyber Torres.
Hinch stated that he saw Lee Hao-yu running fast and with determination, hoping he could enjoy this moment. He also liked seeing Lee Hao-yu's full commitment, believing this was the first time Lee Hao-yu truly felt like he was a key factor in the game, helping the team go from trailing to leading.
Recalling his recent promotion to the major leagues, Lee Hao-yu admitted that he struggled a bit on the first day and had discussed it with the coaches. Yesterday, he adjusted his rear leg during his swing, and it showed good results today.
Lee Hao-yu laughed, saying he was too happy after hitting the home run to notice if he ran too fast. As for his first home run ball, he said he would keep it well, "treasuring it like a baby." (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150427
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is the strength to protect press freedom.
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The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or used without authorization.