Bringing Fengshan to the World! Lin Chih-Hung Mobilizes Over One Million to Send Zhongxiao Junior High Baseball Team to the U.S.

Kaohsiung City Councilor Lin Chih-Hung has mobilized support from the Rotary Club of Kaohsiung Northeast, the Asia-Pacific Charity Foundation, and the Fengshan Want Red City Vision Association, successfully raising over one million NT dollars to support Zhongxiao Junior High School's baseball team in their overseas training mission to the United States. The team will travel to San Francisco on August 14 at the invitation of the 'North America Taiwan Major League Baseball T LeagueRGT,' embarking on a cross-strait baseball exchange program. In addition to professional training and interaction with local players, the team will visit Stanford University and Ohlone College, participate in English language courses, and attend an MLB game, offering students a genuine opportunity to step onto the global stage and experience the broader world of baseball.

Lin Chih-Hung emphasized that Zhongxiao Junior High's baseball team is a key youth development team in Kaohsiung. In March, the team secured third place in the highest-level national junior high baseball league (hardball division). However, over half of the players come from disadvantaged families, and even domestic competitions place significant financial strain on schools and families. Thus, this overseas training opportunity is especially precious.

"Children's dreams should never be diminished by their family's financial situation," stated Lin. Having served as a councilor for eight years, he has consistently supported Zhongxiao Junior High's campus infrastructure and baseball program. This initiative, driven by collaboration with businesses and charitable organizations, aims to allow talented and ambitious youth to step beyond Taiwan, witness world-class stadiums, and experience different training cultures firsthand—while showcasing Kaohsiung's young athletes to the international community.

Prior to the final match of the 'Zhongxiao Cup' on the 11th, Lin Chih-Hung and sponsoring organizations symbolically handed 'air tickets' to San Francisco to the players in front of the entire team, officially launching this international baseball exchange. Principal Kao Mi-Yi of Zhongxiao Junior High expressed gratitude, noting the team's third-place national achievement was hard-earned. Yet, due to the limited financial means of most players' families, supporting domestic competitions is already challenging, let alone international exchanges. "Thanks to Councilor Lin's call for support, what once seemed impossible has now become reality. The students will surely cherish this rare opportunity."

Head coach Ni Kuo-Chan highlighted that for youth, personally experiencing different training environments and baseball cultures abroad is far more impactful than learning through TV or seniors' stories. Not only will players face training and competition challenges, but the coaching staff will also observe foreign training methods and bring those insights back to Taiwan, enriching the team's future development.

Huang Chung-Li, President of the Parent Association and representative of the Rotary Club of Kaohsiung Northeast, stressed that this exchange is more than just "playing baseball in the U.S."—it's about broadening young athletes' horizons and exposing them to a wider world. Through coach-to-coach exchanges, they can absorb the latest training concepts and create a long-term positive cycle upon returning.

"I never dreamed I'd get to play baseball in the U.S. so soon!" said team representative Su Yu-Hsiang excitedly. He pledged to make the most of every day in America, train diligently, and use this experience as motivation to improve upon returning home. "Thank you so much to Councilor Lin Chih-Hung and everyone who helped us!"

Lin recalled his visit to San Francisco last year for municipal exchanges, during which he met with local government officials, toured Silicon Valley tech companies, and was invited by the overseas Chinese community to attend a San Francisco Giants MLB game. At that moment, he envisioned Fengshan's children also having the chance to stand on the world stage. "If kids only watch MLB on TV, they'll never understand how close or far they are from that world. But when they actually walk into the stadium and stand on the field, everything changes."

Therefore, Lin hopes this exchange will elevate Zhongxiao Junior High's team onto the international radar. Beyond training and games, the itinerary includes visits to Stanford University and Ohlone College, English immersion courses, MLB game attendance, and participation in the 'Taiwan Day' event during the 'U.S.-Taiwan Baseball Season,' extending the journey from baseball into education, culture, and international exchange.

Lin emphasized that baseball is more than a sport—it's a window through which children can understand the world. He hopes this U.S. trip will allow players to see a bigger world and let America witness the determination and talent of Taiwan's youth. He pledged to continue collaborating with industry, government, academia, and civil society to give more children from Fengshan opportunities to shine globally, fulfilling his vision of "Bringing Fengshan to the World, and the World to Fengshan."

"Keep practicing hard and performing well—maybe one day, you'll get scouted!" Lin encouraged the players with a smile, urging them to seize this rare international opportunity, chase their dreams bravely, and write the next exciting chapter for themselves, for Kaohsiung, and for Taiwan's baseball future.