Last Updated on 2025 年 8 月 25 日 by 総合編集組
Taiwan’s 2025 Triumph: East Garden Elementary’s Little League World Series Victory
In the summer of 2025, Taiwan’s East Garden Elementary Little League team from Taipei’s Wanhua District captured global attention by clinching the Little League World Series (LLWS) title in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Their commanding 7-0 shutout victory over the Nevada, USA team marked Taiwan’s first LLWS championship in 29 years, since 1996. This achievement not only revived Taiwan’s storied baseball legacy but also ignited national pride, uniting communities and inspiring a new generation. This summary delves into the team’s historical roots, their remarkable 2025 campaign, the key figures behind their success, and the societal impact of their victory.
A Legacy Rooted in History
East Garden Elementary’s Little League program, established in 1943, is one of Taipei’s oldest and most revered. Despite early challenges like limited resources in urban Wanhua, the team thrived through community support and dedicated coaching. In 1972, East Garden players formed the core of a Taipei city team that won the LLWS, kicking off Taiwan’s golden era of youth baseball. The team also secured consecutive national soft-pitch titles in 1985 and 1986, cementing its status as a powerhouse. Recognized by the Republic of China Student Baseball Federation for 30 years of uninterrupted participation in national hardball leagues, East Garden’s commitment to the sport has been unwavering. This legacy of resilience and excellence set the stage for their 2025 triumph.
The team’s alumni include dozens of professional players who have left their mark on Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) and beyond. Notable figures include Yeh Chun-Chang, a legendary catcher for the Wei Chuan Dragons, and Chen Chih-Yuan, a former batting champion. More recent stars like Chang Yi and Sun Yi-Lei have shone in Japan’s NPB, showcasing East Garden’s role as a cradle for baseball talent. These success stories inspire current players, creating a cycle of aspiration and achievement.
The Road to Williamsport 2025
East Garden’s journey to the 2025 LLWS title began with a dominant performance in Taiwan’s national qualifiers, the Chunghwa Telecom Hsieh Kuo-Cheng Cup. They overwhelmed opponents, often winning via the mercy rule, securing their spot as Taiwan’s representative. Their preparation combined rigorous training with modern sports science, enhancing both physical conditioning and tactical acumen.
In Williamsport, East Garden showcased their prowess in the international bracket, defeating teams from Mexico, Aruba, and Venezuela with an undefeated record. The international championship game against Aruba was a tense pitcher’s duel, ending in a 1-0 victory that highlighted their defensive strength and composure under pressure. The grand final against Nevada was a masterclass in execution. Ace pitcher Lin Jin-Ze threw five shutout innings, allowing just one hit and striking out four, while also delivering a bases-clearing hit in the fifth inning to secure a 7-0 lead. Reliever Chen Chi-Sheng closed the game, sealing the historic shutout.
The Masterminds and Heroes
The team’s success was driven by head coach Lai Min-Nan, whose 30-year tenure culminated in this long-sought championship. Having led East Garden to Williamsport four times previously without a title, Lai’s philosophy of focusing on process over results proved pivotal. He emphasized technical details—like quick infield relays and outfield positioning—while fostering mental resilience, helping players stay calm in high-stakes moments. His emotional post-game remarks, crediting his wife Ku Mei-Lin as the “coach behind the coach,” added a heartfelt dimension to the victory.
Pitching coach Luo Cheng-Yu brought levity to critical moments. In the final inning, with East Garden leading 7-0, Luo called a timeout and jokingly told the players, “You’re all stealing the spotlight; I’m just here to look cool!” This humor eased tension, allowing the team to finish strong. Lin Jin-Ze, dubbed “Taiwan’s Ohtani” for his two-way brilliance, was the standout player, while Chen Chi-Sheng’s final inning carried personal significance, redeeming a past loss against a U.S. team in a U12 tournament.
Community and National Impact
The victory was bolstered by robust support from the Taipei City Government, which invested over NT$10 million in the team over three years, funding travel, training, and equipment. A new NT$1 billion indoor training facility, set to open in September 2025, promises to elevate future prospects. Local organizations, like the Taiwan Hongjiu Social Care Association, provided financial and moral support, while community groups, including temples, organized pre-game blessings and post-victory celebrations.
Social media, particularly X, buzzed with excitement. Overseas Taiwanese in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago celebrated the win as a symbol of national pride, with one Chicago-based official praising the team’s pitching dominance. Fans lauded the players’ poise, calling them “calm as ice, fiery as flame.” Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-An promised a celebratory feast, fulfilling the players’ wish to “eat a big meal,” a gesture that went viral online. These reactions underscored the victory’s role in uniting Taiwan’s diaspora and fostering national unity.
A Blueprint for the Future
East Garden’s 2025 triumph offers a model for youth baseball development: disciplined training, character-building, and sustained investment. Lai’s process-oriented approach, combined with government and community backing, created an environment where young athletes could thrive. The new training facility signals a long-term commitment to nurturing talent, potentially producing more stars like Lin Jin-Ze or Chen Chi-Sheng.
This victory transcends sports, embodying Taiwan’s resilience and collective spirit. It inspires not only aspiring athletes but anyone pursuing excellence through dedication. As Taiwan basks in this glory, East Garden’s story lights the way for the next generation, ensuring the nation’s baseball legacy endures.
