Chang Cheng-Yu's 14-Game Stealing Streak Ends at Hands of Younger Brother, Reveals Shift in Base-Stealing Mindset

(Taipei, April 12 – Reporter Su Chih-Yu) Wei Chuan Dragons outfielder Chang Cheng-Yu's 14-consecutive stolen base streak came to an end yesterday — stopped by none other than his younger brother, Chang Shih-Lun. While Chang expressed regret at failing to surpass teammate Kuo Tien-Hsin's record, he also revealed a shift in his mindset regarding base running and getting on base this season.

In the first inning yesterday, Chang successfully stole second base, marking his 14th consecutive successful steal. This placed him fourth in Dragons team history, behind Kuo Tien-Hsin (24), Wu Tung-Jung (20), and Daisuke (Bernardo Tatis, 16).

However, in the third inning, Chang attempted another steal of second. Initially ruled safe, the Brothers challenged the call. Upon replay review, it was determined that Chang's hand had briefly left the base while Brothers second baseman Chang Shih-Lun maintained continuous contact with his glove. The call was overturned, and Chang was ruled out.

On being tagged out by his younger brother, Chang said: "He did well — his follow tag was excellent." He added that Shih-Lun's steady performance in the first team is largely due to guidance from seniors like Chiang Kun-Yu and Yueh Tung-Hua, as well as coaching staff. "I haven't contributed that much to his development."

Though disappointed at not surpassing Kuo Tien-Hsin, Chang noted: "I still had a long way to go. Getting caught isn't bad — now I can be more aggressive on the bases." He admitted that he didn't pay much attention early on, but once his streak surpassed 10, he became more cautious, only attempting steals with 80–90% confidence.

Last season, Chang recorded 13 stolen bases with 10 failures. This year, before the season's halfway point, he already has 14 successful steals with just one failure. He credits this improvement to a remark from offensive coordinator Tyger Pederson: "With your speed, you shouldn't be a 50% base stealer."

Pederson cited MLB player Juan Soto as an example — not the fastest runner, yet achieving high success through judgment and technique. Chang said years of experience have helped him better assess when and how to run based on pitch count, base situation, and pitcher-catcher combinations.

"To get many stolen bases, you first need to get on base," Chang emphasized. This year, he's shown more patience at the plate, reducing regrets like "Why did I swing at that pitch?" His walk rate has increased to 9.09%, up from last year. "There's a difference in personality," Chang joked at the end. "When you slow things down, you see more clearly. When you're rushed, you lose reaction time."

(Edited by Chen Jen-Hua)