TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan baseball team Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions (U-Lions) held a press conference on Thursday (Aug.1), unveiling details about pitcher Pan Wei-lun’s (潘威倫) retirement ceremony.
Pan has set numerous records since his debut in 2003. He holds records for most career starts (339), innings pitched (2116.2), and pitches thrown (31,113), per CNA.
The 42-year-old is the winningest pitcher in Taiwan’s baseball history with 149 victories. He aims to reach the 150-win milestone before retiring.
"I worked hard, day after day, and am grateful for the support of the team, fans, and teammates," Pan said, expressing gratitude for a stable and successful 22-year career.
The U-Lions will hold a retirement game for Pan at Taipei Dome on Sept. 28, facing off against the TSG Hawks. A retirement ceremony will follow in Tainan the next day, per CNA.
The team unveiled its themed jersey for the event. Ticket sales will open exclusively for team members Friday (Aug. 2) noon, and general sales will begin at noon on Aug. 6.
The game on Sept. 28 at the Taipei Dome will include a special section available for NT$8,818 (US$269) per seat, limited to 1,818 seats. Gifts that come with the ticket include a 2001 Taiwan team Pan home jersey, a 2017 Taiwan team Pan away jersey, a figurine, a game-used ball, and more.
Another section is priced at NT$3,080 (US$94) per seat with approximately 3,010 seats available. General seating will range from NT$700 (US$21.36) to NT$1,200 (US$36.62).
On Sept. 29 at the Tainan Municipal Baseball Stadium, a section is priced at NT$8,818 (US$269) per seat, limited to 60 seats. The package includes a jersey, commemorative ball, and a premium Pan-themed seat.
Another section will be priced at NT$1,100 (US$33.57) per seat. There are approximately 2,000 seats available.
A video featuring messages from coaches and players was played during the press conference. Pan said that seeing former teammates in the video like Lin Yueh-ping (林岳平) and TAKE (潘武雄) brought back memories of their time together on the field.
Having attended the recent retirement ceremonies of his peers like Kao Kuo-ching (高國慶), Pan said he felt emotional. Pan also expressed his gratitude to younger players like Lin Rui-Yang Ku (古林睿煬), Chen Yun-wen (陳韻文), and Yao Chieh-hung (姚杰宏).
Pan said he was happy to see how Taiwan's baseball environment and facilities have improved. He said he was looking forward to pitching at Taipei Dome.
