The most memorable event was in 1974 when for the first time Taiwan teams won three championships in the Little League, the Senior League and the Big League World Series, all held in the USA, gaining the “triple crown.”
Again in 1977, our magazine shared the joy of achievement with readers when we featured a special report on Taiwan’s young baseball players who won championships in the Big League, Senior League and Little League, regaining the honor of a “triple crown.”
The article described how during their foray onto the international stage for the ten days of the tournament these three teams were supported and encouraged by overseas Chinese and by Taiwanese studying abroad. Many overcame great obstacles in order to attend and watch the games live, contributing home support for their countrymen.
The three teams arrived back home on the same flight at Songshan Airport, which was packed with huge crowds to welcome their heroes home. Premier Chiang Ching-kuo even made a personal appearance at the airport to receive them. Those who stayed at home were able to watch events unfold on TV, and many today still recall the glory of the event.
The winning teams brought back not only the joy of victory, but also a sense of nationhood especially for those living overseas, increasing the strength of the ties to their motherland. In that era when Taiwan was facing a great deal of political and diplomatic uncertainty, the brilliant achievements of Taiwan’s baseball champions intensified people’s patriotism both at home and abroad.
Six triple crowns have been won in Taiwan youth baseball history.
Six triple crowns have been won in Taiwan youth baseball history.
