Cheerleaders Pump Up Crowds for World Baseball Classic Qualifiers
Cheerleaders play a big role in Taiwan's baseball culture but their distinctive style of encouragement didn't originate here. TaiwanPlus looks at how the culture evolved and what it takes to be a cheerleader.
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Taiwan’s Baseball Cheerleaders Bring Energy and Unity
At a warm-up game ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic qualifiers, Taiwan’s cheerleaders are igniting the crowd, cheering on Team Taiwan, which competes internationally under the name Chinese Taipei. Cheerleaders have been a fixture on Taiwan’s professional baseball scene for over a decade, and their high-energy performances are key to the gameday experience.
"We need to infect the fans with our passion, connect the hearts of our entire nation and cheer together for Chinese Taipei!" said Zoe, a cheerleader with the Uni-Girls.
Fans at the stadium say the cheerleaders do more than just perform—they create an atmosphere that unites the audience and elevates the game. "I think cheerleaders can energize the entire stadium," said one male spectator. "This creates an atmosphere that everyone enjoys. People will dance along and many will want to watch them too."
A female fan echoed this sentiment, noting the impact of their performances. "[The cheerleaders] can lead everyone in dancing and create an energetic vibe," she said.
A Tradition That Has Evolved
Taiwan’s baseball cheerleading culture has evolved significantly since its introduction. Cheerleaders were first seen in Taiwanese baseball in 1995, when foreign models known as the Budweiser Girls promoted drinks at games. They were not affiliated with specific teams, however. The concept of team cheerleaders took off in 2004 when South Korea's Samsung Lions brought their cheerleaders to Taiwan for an exhibition game. The performance created a sensation and inspired the formation of Taiwan’s first homegrown cheerleading squad, the La New Girls.
"At that time, they were already playing electronic music, creating a joyful atmosphere," said Endo, an agent and director for the Uni-Girls. "Walking into a baseball stadium was like entering an amusement park where everyone could move and dance together."
Today, Taiwan has over a hundred professional baseball cheerleaders, each selected through a rigorous process. Candidates must demonstrate dance skills, social media management, and most importantly, the ability to engage with fans.
The Challenges of Being a Cheerleader
Becoming a baseball cheerleader in Taiwan is no easy feat. Once selected, cheerleaders undergo intense training and must memorize at least 50 chants tailored for different players.
"When I first joined, it was pretty tough because I had to memorize a lot of dances and chants," said Joy, another Uni-Girls cheerleader. "Each player has their own chant, so there was a lot to learn at first."
Standing out in the competitive cheerleading industry requires more than just dance moves. To build a fanbase and attract sponsorships, cheerleaders must be multi-talented performers.
"I think it's a challenging time for the girls because they need to know how to do everything," said Endo. "They need to sing, dance and engage with fans. Sometimes they need to talk while doing livestreams and may also need to host. It’s pretty tough for them."
A Special Squad for International Games
For the World Baseball Classic qualifiers, a special squad called CT Amaze was formed, bringing together cheerleaders from across Taiwan’s domestic league to support the national team. As Taiwan's baseball culture continues to grow, these cheerleaders remain a crucial part of the experience, electrifying the stadiums and bringing fans together.
