Chung Meng-wen studied physics at National Tsinghua University, gained a master's degree in sports science at Cal State Fullerton, and is Taiwan representative for SBC of the US. But aside from academic achievements and his position with a prestigious firm, the key to his career as a sports agent is the contacts that he has built up throughout the world of baseball, both inside and outside Taiwan, over more than a decade.
To test the true speed of a pitcher's throw, Chung is ready to don protective gear and a catcher's glove and squat down to catch balls that can reach speeds over 150 km/h if they come from the hand of pitchers like Huang Chun-chung or Tsao Chin-hui.
Chung recommends that young people wishing to become sports agents must possess the following attributes, or they are unlikely to succeed in marketing players or in conducting negotiations:
1. Language skills: If you are concentrating on introducing athletes to the US market, you must be fluent in English. For the Japanese market, naturally Japanese is essential.
2. Expertise: You should have knowledge of relevant legal provisions and government policies at home and abroad, and be familiar with the practice of sports, including the customs and habits of the individual sporting leagues, as well as having some idea about sports medicine and sports mechanics.
3. International outlook: Keep abreast of developments in sport internationally, including the demand for athletes in the markets of different countries, and the strengths and positioning of local athletes relative to such demand.
4. Other: Remember that agency is a people-oriented business. You need to look after the needs of various people, and see issues from the perspectives of both players and teams.
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