President Lai Ching-te unveils National Baseball Training Base, hopes main stadium will become a dome

Central News Agency (Reporter Chang Jung-hsiang, Tainan, 7th) President Lai Ching-te presided over the unveiling of the National Baseball Training Base today, expressing his hope to transform the Asia-Pacific Baseball Stadium into an "Oriental Williamsport." President Lai also called on Koo Chung-liang, chairman of the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA), saying that perhaps the main stadium of the Asia-Pacific adult baseball field could be covered with a roof to become a dome. President Lai, Minister of Sports Li Yang, Koo Chung-liang, Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-che, and others jointly unveiled the National Baseball Training Base today. President Lai spoke at length about the history of the construction of the Asia-Pacific International Baseball Training Center, stating that this is a historic moment for the development of baseball in Taiwan, and he was honored to witness it with everyone. President Lai pointed out that Taiwan's baseball started from the grassroots level, and more precisely, it was the Taitung Hongye Little League team that defeated the Kanto Chofu team from Japan, causing a sensation. Coupled with the vigorous promotion by the "Father of Baseball" Hsieh Kuo-cheng and government support, it was welcomed by people nationwide. President Lai stated that Taiwan's Little League, Junior League, and Senior League teams have achieved excellent results internationally, and later adult baseball and professional baseball also emerged, performing outstandingly in international competitions in recent years. This is the history of baseball's development over many years, with the efforts of players, dedication of coaches, and support of fans, passing the baton from one generation to the next, allowing it to reach where it is today. President Lai pointed out that Tainan City is a cultural ancient capital and a new technology city, as well as a baseball city. The Giants Little League team was very strong, and the Giants' ace pitcher Wu Cheng-wen is now the chairman of the National Science and Technology Council. When he was a child, no matter how early in the morning, he would get up and sit in front of the TV to watch the heroes of Williamsport bring glory to the country, from Little League to Junior League and Senior League. President Lai stated that he (as then-Tainan City Mayor) originally planned the construction of the Asia-Pacific Stadium, not only to revitalize baseball but also to transform it into an "Oriental Williamsport" and promote baseball tourism, which would greatly benefit the development of Tainan City. He was the starter, former acting Tainan City Mayor Li Meng-yan was the middle reliever, Huang Wei-che was the closer, and now it has been upgraded to a national baseball training base. President Lai pointed out that the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA) and Koo Chung-liang, who are responsible for the operation, will be batting next. They not only need to provide baseball activities for Tainan City but also international and national baseball events, such as U12, U21, etc., and even move the international baseball federation's Asian activities here. President Lai stated that he believes that under Koo Chung-liang's leadership in operating the CTBA, this stadium should be very, very good, and he hopes it will be even better in the future. If Koo Chung-liang is willing to help, perhaps the roof of the main adult baseball stadium could be built to become a dome. He wished the National Baseball Training Base successful and smooth operations. The National Baseball Training Base is located in Annan District, Tainan City, covering the secondary adult baseball field, main Little League field, secondary Little League field, indoor practice field, and indoor/outdoor batting and pitching practice fields of the Asia-Pacific International Baseball Training Center, and is entrusted to the Chinese Taipei Baseball Association for operation and management.