Yang Yaoze (center) from Taiwan, coach of Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology, pictured instructing his players [File photo by Zhang Yongding from Fujian Daily]

Twelve young baseball players undergo rigorous training, transforming from beginners into seasoned athletes, ultimately shining on the field. Recently, the baseball-themed reality show "Super Team," filmed in Pingtan, has propelled the local baseball scene into the spotlight.

In 2025, Pingtan will host the 31st Asian Baseball Championship, marking its rapid rise as a new hub for baseball and softball. Once unfamiliar with these sports, the island is now gaining recognition for its commitment to fostering athletic excellence.

For many visitors, Pingtan is synonymous with its famed "Blue Tears" phenomenon but for baseball enthusiasts, the true beauty lies in its ocean breeze, blue skies, and bustling ballparks. The sport's growth has become a bridge connecting both sides of the Taiwan Straits, fostering friendship and inspiring individuals to pursue their dreams with determination.

A Passion Painted on a Blank Canvas

"Bring your attitude!" "Don't play carelessly!" Coach Yang Yaoze shouts from the sidelines, his voice filled with urgency. More tanned than his local colleagues from years under the sun, his distinct Taiwan accent is the only giveaway of his origins.

In Taiwan, baseball is deeply ingrained in the culture. Yang has dedicated 20 years to baseball in Taiwan, despite being under 30 years old. Yang pursued his studies as a baseball scholar and was determined to make the sport his lifelong career. However, he never expected that baseball would lead him to Pingtan.

In 2014, during a visit to Pingtan, President Xi Jinping outlined a vision for the island, designating it as a strategic hub under the "One Island, Two Windows, Three Zones" initiative. In line with this, Pingtan has been fostering a vibrant sports culture, opening a softball stadium in 2015 with a seating capacity of nearly 5,000 spectators. By 2018, the region had begun actively promoting baseball and softball.

With Taiwan's well-established baseball industry, it was a natural partner for Pingtan's ambitions. In 2019, Yang arrived through a friend's recommendation, stepping into an environment where the sport was still in its infancy.

"At that time, Fujian was mapping out its baseball blueprint, creating opportunities for Taiwan coaches like me," Yang recalls. Unlike his previous coaching roles at established clubs, starting a team in Pingtan was like painting on a blank canvas—exciting yet full of challenges.

Yang wasn't alone. Huang Gengming from Longyan, Fujian, also found his way to Pingtan through baseball. His passion began in middle school, watching his school's team practice. Despite initial resistance from his family, who prioritized academics, he persisted in chasing his dream.

After the 2022 college entrance exams, Huang applied exclusively to Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology in Pingtan, drawn by its strong baseball program. He was thrilled to land in Pingtan, where he could refine his skills under expert guidance.

In August 2024, the completion of Pingtan Baseball Park—a 3.9 billion yuan project—will further elevate the island's status as a premier destination for international baseball events.

Baseball as a Bridge for Cross-Straits Ties

"Pingtan is close to Taiwan, with similar climate and culture, making it easy to adapt. Plus, it's convenient to travel home," Yang says.

Reflecting on his early days in Pingtan, Yang recalls, "Back then, there was only one baseball and softball team across the island, and they weren't even playing proper baseball—it was just T-ball." His arrival, along with other coaches from Taiwan, introduced a higher level of professionalism and technique, accelerating the sport's development in Pingtan.

For some, baseball changed not just their athletic aspirations but their entire careers. Li Bifeng, now the head of the Pingtan Baseball and Softball Association, had never played the sport before 2018. A chance meeting with two Taiwan coaches opened his eyes to its appeal. "I fell in love with it instantly!" Li says. Originally a track and field athlete, he transitioned into baseball and later made it his profession.

Driven by his passion, Li has worked to expand the sport's reach. Today, baseball and softball are part of the curriculum in 25 schools across Pingtan, with participation rates between 60% and 70%, involving over a thousand students.

Since 2018, Pingtan has made significant strides in the baseball world, recruiting ten coaches from Taiwan and hosting numerous cross-Straits baseball tournaments. These events have attracted over 300 players from Taiwan along with a dozen referees, showcasing the island's growing prominence in the sport. With Taiwan coaches at the helm, Pingtan's teams have gained national recognition.

More support is on the way. Pingtan is drafting policies to further integrate Taiwan's baseball expertise, offering incentives for coaches and athletes. The island also plans to establish a shared talent center for baseball and softball, deepening cross-Straits sports collaboration.

"There's a bigger stage here, with more opportunities," Yang says, pointing to the array of trophies his team has won over the years. "The better the facilities, the stronger the teams." With new investments and policies, Pingtan is rapidly developing a baseball ecosystem that attracts top-tier talent from Taiwan.

A Legacy of Passion and Dedication

Holding his breath, Huang Gengming watches as the pitcher releases the ball. A sharp crack echoes as his bat makes contact, sending the ball soaring over the fence. A home run!

The crowd erupts as Huang rounds the bases, high-fiving his teammates. For him, baseball is muscle memory—each swing, sprint, and slide perfected through years of relentless training. Twice named the best pitcher in the National College Baseball and Softball Championship, he is the heart of his team.

Maintaining this level of skill requires dedication. Despite being an amateur squad, Fujian Polytechnic of Information Technology's baseball team trains for hours every day, with even more intense sessions during summer tournaments. Many freshmen join, but few endure the grueling schedule.

"Without professional coaching and high-intensity training, we wouldn't be where we are today," Huang says. Under the guidance of  Taiwan coaches, his skills have improved dramatically.

Now set to graduate, Huang is passing on his knowledge as a coach. During his junior-year internship, he worked as an assistant coach at a baseball training center in Xiamen and later as head coach for a private school in Quanzhou.

"If they can train champions, I'll feel just as proud!" Yang beams, seeing his protégé step into a leadership role. Given the shortage of local coaches, developing homegrown talent like Huang is crucial for sustaining the sport's growth in Pingtan.

To date, Pingtan has trained over 100 baseball and softball coaches. The island now boasts 56 teams, including 36 youth squads, 17 government-backed teams, and a Taiwan representative team, making baseball an integral part of Pingtan's identity.

Committed to his passion, Huang remains focused on nurturing future players. "I want to help kids with baseball dreams map out their paths, inspiring more people to take up the sport and push their limits," he says.

Despite the challenges, both Huang and Yang believe in the transformative power of baseball. "You can't play forever, but the lessons you learn—resilience, adaptability, teamwork—will benefit you for life," Yang says.

                                                                                                                                                          (Source: fjsen.com)