It’s the bottom of the ninth and the bases are loaded. Yes, it’s finally here. It’s the opening weekend of the 2018 CPBL season and excitement is at fever pitch. The CPBL is like no other professional league in the world, combining everything there is to love about baseball with everything there is to love about Taiwan. So, whether you’re a die-hard, a fair-weather fan, or completely new to baseball, here are nine reasons you should be watching CPBL this year.
Amazing Stadium Variety
If you’re a bit of a stadium geek then the CPBL is an absolute must. There are many different active stadiums in Taiwan and each one has its own unique personality. The 5,500 capacity Hualien stadium, on the east coast, is picturesque and surrounded by mountains. Conversely, the ultra-modern Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium is an imposing fortress, equipped with a state of the art sound system and a DJ booth.
It’s So Accessible
With each team playing 120 games during the regular season, there’s always a good chance of catching a game. Furthermore, with the exception of Lamigo Monkeys, the teams in the CPBL use a number of different stadiums for their ‘home’ games. Meaning there’ll always be a game nearby. The CPBL is also broadcasted by five different TV providers, so if you want to stay inside on a rainy day you can still get your baseball fix.
Every Game is a Party
Baseball in Taiwan is so much more than just a sport, it’s a social spectacle. Taiwanese baseball has a social scene that other sports, such as basketball and athletics, can’t compete with. Gathering with friends and family, to eat and drink to our heart’s content in the glorious Taiwanese weather, is a great way to spend a weekend. Now add to that a carnival atmosphere and exciting on-field action!
Baseball in Taiwan is so much more than just a sport, it’s a social spectacle. Taiwanese baseball has a social scene that other sports, such as basketball and athletics, can’t compete with. Gathering with friends and family, to eat and drink to our heart’s content in the glorious Taiwanese weather, is a great way to spend a weekend. Now add to that a carnival atmosphere and exciting on-field action!
It’s Super Affordable
With ticket prices as low as 250 NTD, available from 7-11, Family Mart and the stadium box office, price is no object when it comes to Taiwanese baseball. The same is true once you’re inside the ballpark. Food and drinks are cheap and plentiful.
High Scoring
Baseball is a well-balanced sport, with attack and defense both crucial to success. Whilst scoring doesn’t reach the levels of basketball, there is always something going on to keep you entertained. Put another way, you’re unlikely to spend an afternoon watching a drab 1-0 play out.
Every Game Goes to the Wire
Baseball is one of very few sports in which a winning team has to play competitively to the bitter end. There’s no ‘taking a knee,’ ‘keeping it by the corner flag’ or ‘dribbling out the clock.’ Every minute on the field matters.
Baseball is one of very few sports in which a winning team has to play competitively to the bitter end. There’s no ‘taking a knee,’ ‘keeping it by the corner flag’ or ‘dribbling out the clock.’ Every minute on the field matters.
Anything is Possible.
There’s no clock in baseball, so as long as you’re willing to fight, a spectacular comeback is never impossible. This is particularly true in Taiwanese baseball, where there is always a chance of a comeback or upset, no matter how bleak a situation may look.
There’s no clock in baseball, so as long as you’re willing to fight, a spectacular comeback is never impossible. This is particularly true in Taiwanese baseball, where there is always a chance of a comeback or upset, no matter how bleak a situation may look.
Familiar Faces
Everyone loves seeing an old friend and that’s a vibe you get from the CPBL. The CPBL allows for three imported players per team and as a result, there are a number of former MLB pros who call Taiwan home. The same is true of coaching, with 2018 seeing former MLB coach Jim Presley join up with Chinatrust Brothers.
Everyone loves seeing an old friend and that’s a vibe you get from the CPBL. The CPBL allows for three imported players per team and as a result, there are a number of former MLB pros who call Taiwan home. The same is true of coaching, with 2018 seeing former MLB coach Jim Presley join up with Chinatrust Brothers.
It’s Extremely Competitive
Since 2010, every team in the league has won the Taiwan Series at least once. So even after a poor season, there’s always a reason for optimism.
Since 2010, every team in the league has won the Taiwan Series at least once. So even after a poor season, there’s always a reason for optimism.
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