19-Year-Old Chang Yu-hao Starts in Second Career Game, Unfazed by 40,000 Fans

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 31. Fubon Guardians rookie catcher Chang Yu-hao, who made his CPBL debut just yesterday, earned his first start today. Playing in front of 40,000 fans at the Taipei Dome for the second consecutive day, Chang smiled and said he wasn't nervous, noting, "I couldn't really hear the fans while I was playing."

19-year-old Chang came on as a pinch hitter in the 9th inning yesterday, flying out. Today, he started as the 8th batter and catcher. Guardians manager Gotoh Mitsutaka stated before the game, "Chang's performance yesterday was consistent, though he was clearly excited. He was called up due to his recent good form. He showed his best in the minor leagues, and now it's about whether he can contribute in the majors."

Reflecting on his debut, Chang admitted he was too focused on the at-bat to notice the crowd, though he felt the intensity during warm-ups. He approached today with a calm mindset, saying, "I experienced it yesterday, so today is just another day."

On playing his first two games before a capacity crowd of 40,000, Chang said, "It's pretty cool. Very few people get this experience. I hope to seize this opportunity and cherish every moment on the field." Among the 40,000 fans were his parents, who have attended almost every game since he was in elementary school.

As an only child, Chang has been well-supported by his parents, who didn't miss his debut. Before today's start, they reminded him, "Don't be too nervous, just do what you need to do."

At the start of the year, Chang set a goal to "surpass Tai Pei-feng," but his written goal was simply to "get to the majors quickly." Having achieved this by late May, Chang expressed gratitude to the coaching staff for their guidance and for providing him with the opportunity.