Gu Lin Ruei-yang Aims for New Heights with Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

Taiwanese baseball star Gu Lin Ruei-yang, the 2024 MVP of the Chinese Professional Baseball League, expressed his excitement about joining the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league. He hopes to lead by example and showcase his talents on a new stage.

Despite missing the historic Premier12 championship in Tokyo due to an injury, Gu Lin remains optimistic about his future in Japan. The 24-year-old right-hander, the first Taiwanese pitcher to win the CPBL MVP award since 2006, believes Taiwan can produce exceptional players and hopes to inspire young people to pursue their baseball dreams.

Gu Lin initially considered playing overseas in high school but opted for the CPBL due to physical limitations and his performance at the time. He expressed gratitude to the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions, who drafted him second overall in the 2018 mid-season draft, for helping him achieve his goals.

This past season, Gu Lin's sixth with the Lions, he became the league's only Taiwanese pitcher to reach 10 wins. He led the CPBL with a 1.66 ERA, going 10-2 with 150 strikeouts over 125 innings in a breakthrough season.

While his physical condition prevented him from participating in the Premier12, Gu Lin remains proud of the team's achievement. He expressed his gratitude to the players for showcasing Taiwan's talent on the world stage.

The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters are eager to see Gu Lin's potential unfold on the Japanese diamond. According to Taiwan media, Fighters chief baseball officer Hideki Kuriyama stated that Gu Lin's unique pitching style fills a void in their team.

Gu Lin's journey to Japan marks an exciting new chapter in his career. He hopes to continue his success and inspire future generations of Taiwanese baseball players.