Shohei Ohtani takes note of Chinese Taipei baseball team for winning maiden Premier12 championship against Japan

Team Chinese Taipei pulled off an upset victory over Team Japan in the final of the 2024 Premier12, winning 4-0 at the iconic Tokyo Dome. The win marked their first ever win in the high-octane international baseball tournament. They were rewarded as they were appreciated by one of the modern-day legends, Shohei Ohtani.

On Instagram, Ohtani reposted a story that celebrated Chinese Taipei's victory. It was the post from the Premier12 tournament's official Instagram handle.

Shohei Ohtani's Instagram Story (Source: Instagram @shoheiohtani)

In the final, Taiwan took the game to the home team. There were eight scoreless innings on each side with all of the runs scored in the top of the fifth. Japan pitcher Shosei Togo was struck for two home runs: a solo blast by Chia-Cheng Lin and a three-run homer by Chieh-Hsien Chen.

They reached the final after finishing second in Pool B which they co-hosted. They were behind Japan, who beat them 3-1 at Taiwan Dome. They lost to Japan again in the second round, 6-9. However, they made amends in the final and held onto their well-deserved lead to end the tournament on a high.

Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 home run ball is an exhibition item in Taipei

Shohei Ohtani has a deeper connection with Taiwan than it seems. The Japanese superstar's historic 50-50 club inaugurating home run ball is available for the public to see at Taipei Tower. The "Dreams Fly High" exhibition includes the ball and other memorabilia from the world of baseball to inspire grassroots talent. The exhibition was inaugurated simultaneously with the start of the Premier12 Taiwan leg.

Ohtani's 50th home run ball was initially bought at Godlin Auctions by Taiwanese company UC Capital who paid $4.4 million for it, beating rival bids from forty other suitors. The record price is justified for a global sensation like Ohtani, who can be credited for single-handedly putting the MLB on the map again.

Despite his popularity, Ohtani has not forgotten his roots and always remains humble. His appreciation for the Taiwanese players, even though they beat his Team Japan colleagues, shows his eagerness to grow the game further and recognize talents from different parts of the globe.