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Taiwan Wins Premier12 Baseball Championship, Pitcher Lin Yu-min Reflects on Victory
Taiwan’s men’s national baseball team has claimed the top spot at the WBSC Premier12 tournament, marking the country’s first win in an international baseball competition at this level. For 21-year-old pitcher Lin Yu-min, the achievement still feels surreal. “I want to cry but I can’t. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet,” Lin said after the gold medal game on November 24. “This feels like a dream. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”
Lin, one of Taiwan’s top pitchers, is expected to begin the 2025 season with the Reno Aces, a Triple-A team in Nevada. Known for his diverse pitching repertoire, Lin’s performances during the tournament attracted international attention, solidifying his reputation as a rising star.
Despite facing challenges, including a roster depleted by injuries and other issues, Lin remained optimistic. “When I first saw the roster, I was actually pretty happy because I felt this competition would be a good experience, enabling the players to grow more,” he said. Taiwan’s team advanced from the group stage by defeating South Korea and stunned host nation Japan in the gold medal game after losing to them twice earlier in the tournament.
Throughout the competition, Lin emphasized the importance of teamwork. “Baseball is a team sport, not an individual competition,” he said. “[We need to] believe in our catcher and trust in the ability of the infielders and outfielders.” Lin’s efforts to foster unity were instrumental in the team’s success.
Reflecting on the tournament, Lin shared a valuable lesson he’s learned: “This experience has taught me to never give up. Dreams can become reality. For Taiwanese players in the U.S., we’ve never dared to aspire to make it to the MLB. We just hope we can be a little closer to it. After this Premier12 tournament, I feel that playing in the Majors is no longer a distant dream. I feel it is something genuinely achievable.”
Lin also shared insights about individuality in the sport. “A player should never mimic another top player because I think you won’t be yourself anymore if you do. Take for example, Shohei Ohtani. If I could copy his gestures, wear what he wears, and do what he does, I could be the next Shohei. But why not be yourself and become a new superstar, then go and beat Shohei?”
Winning the Premier12 was a hard-fought victory and a memorable experience for all the players involved. For Lin, it’s another step toward his ultimate goal. Soon, he’ll return to the mound, ready to strike out the opposition and prove that his dreams are well within reach.
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