TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The New York Yankees will hold their first-ever Taiwanese Heritage Day on Sept. 10 at Yankee Stadium.
The organizer of the event, ROF International Sport Marketing, announced the event on Monday, noting it was being held in conjunction with the North American Taiwan Chambers of Commerce Association.
The New York Yankees have hosted many multicultural-themed events over the years, including events for Hispanics, Italians, and Filipinos.
Since news of the event was announced, many baseball fans speculated whether former Yankee ace and Taiwan native Wang Chien-ming (王建民) would throw out the first pitch. ROF said it had contacted Wang's agency to offer an invitation several times, but Wang felt it inappropriate to leave his current team, CTBC Brothers, in mid-season, declining the offer, per LTN.
Wang recorded 19 wins in two seasons (2006-2007) with the Yankees, and his pinstriped No. 40 jersey has become an icon for many Taiwanese baseball fans. ROF said it hoped to continue inviting Wang to future Taiwanese Heritage events at Yankee Stadium.
ROF said New York is also an important city for Taiwanese who study and work in the US. To commemorate the strong ties between the two regions, discussions to host the event took place over the past year.
Chen Ming-chu (陳銘駒), general manager of ROF, said, “Following last year's Arizona Diamondbacks Taiwan Heritage event, we are honored to host the first Taiwan Heritage Day with a historic team such as the New York Yankees. This is our first collaboration with the Yankees, and we hope that many Taiwanese people can come to the stadium and show their enthusiasm and vitality of Taiwan.”
A limited-edition ticket package is now available online, offering both admission to the game and commemorative hats and jerseys. A special seating area has been reserved for ticket buyers.
