Taiwan’s national baseball team flew back to Taoyuan International Airport this Wednesday, where more than 300 fans were waiting to cheer them on after they failed to advance in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in Japan and were eliminated.

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) stated that the characteristics of Taiwanese people were demonstrated in this year’s WBC tournament: resilience and courage. Despite setbacks during the competition, he said, the team and the Taiwanese fans both gave it their all.

Lai noted the familiar chant, “Taiwan is brave!” echoing from the Tokyo Dome, and expressed his intentions for the government to continue building a better environment for sports in Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League’s (CPBL) commissioner and DPP caucus whip, Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌), said Taiwan’s performance moved the entire nation. In addition to existing prize money from the WBC, Tsai said the CPBL will award an additional NT$5 million (US$157,000) to thank the players and their hard work.

Tsai said, “They really gave it their all in the classic match. They didn’t give up in any of the games, so they played a game that moved the entire nation. Therefore, our league has specially prepared an NT$5 million prize to thank these players.”

The CPBL commissioner mentioned that he will also be stepping down from his position when his term ends next March. Regarding concerns about the potential unavailability of “TEAM TAIWAN” merchandise if KMT Legislator Hung Meng-kai (洪孟楷) is appointed as the next CPBL commissioner, as rumored. Tsai urged the public not to jump to conclusions. He explained that the commissioner is chosen by the six team owners through joint consultations and an invitation process.