TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Team captain Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲) Monday (Nov. 25) explained the meaning behind a celebratory gesture after hitting a homer that has gone viral in Taiwan.
Chen had a critical 3-run homer against Japan in the Premier12 championship Sunday. As he rounded the bases, he made a gesture with his hands over his chest, sparking discussion about its meaning in Taiwan, per CNA.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) and over 1,000 fans greeted the players as they returned on Monday. Seeing Taoyuan Airport crowded with so many people, Chen expressed gratitude to the fans and said in Taiwanese, “We are all Taiwanese.”
Speaking to the media at Taoyuan Airport, Chen said all players representing the nation in international competitions are a source of pride for Taiwan. "Hitting a crucial home run in such an important moment was exhilarating for me. That gesture was meant to tell everyone that we are players from Taiwan,” said Chen.
Chen thanked his teammates, coaches, and support staff. “We have achieved the best possible outcome and made the people proud of Taiwan baseball. I believe more fans will support our national sport in the future,” said Chen.
The vice president picked up on the gesture and was seen using it while taking a photo with Chen and the team's manager and coaches.
Austin H. Wang (王伟恩), an assistant professor at the Department of Political Science, University of Nevada Las Vegas, wrote on X that Taiwan athletes have to make such gestures because "they are not allowed to put their country name ‘Taiwan’ on it, unlike all other countries. Wang then included photos of tournament competitors from Japan, the US, South Korea, and Australia with their country names on their uniforms.
In the seven Premier12 games Chen played, he had 15 hits in 24 at-bats, including two home runs and six RBIs, with a .625 batting average. His performance earned him four awards: MVP, batting champion, best defensive player, and best outfielder.
