Chen Yong-ji Emotional in Final At-Bat During Retirement Game
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The retirement event marked the formal close of an era for the infielder, who had opportunities in the 7th and 9th innings.
High-Stakes At-Bats and Emotional Climax at Tainan
During the retirement game itself, the competitive fire that defined Chung’s career remained fully visible. In the 9th frame with runners on base, the veteran grew visibly emotional, wiping away tears mid-at-bat before grounding out.
Post-game comments from Chung revealed a deep sense of self-criticism over failing to secure a hit. “I was quite angry after finishing the 9th inning because I did not calm my mind,” Chung stated, adding that maintaining emotional detachment during such a high-profile personal milestone proved exceptionally difficult.
The event also served as a reunion for veteran figures across the league. Former teammate and longtime friend 林智勝 contributed musical accompaniment on the guitar during the festivities. Reflecting on their decades-long friendship originating in high school and their shared work with the Taiwan Professional Baseball Players Association, Chung expressed deep gratitude for peers who treated him as a trusted confidant.
Deep Personal Bonds and Mentorship Across Generations
Emotional highlights extended well beyond the diamond. Fulfilling a personal request from his children, Chung jokingly noted his mission to secure a cardboard cutout of young player 張皓崴. Transitioning to serious mentorship, Chung advised younger athletes to prioritize absolute focus on on-field performance before turning attention toward external fan engagement and personal branding.
The most poignant personal moment involved 林岱安, who recently completed a Free Agency transfer to the Fubon Guardians. Chung revealed that during his severe career slumps in 2021 and 2022, Lin provided unwavering support, accompanying him to the batting cages behind the historic Tainan Municipal Baseball Stadium on Health Road for extra training sessions and sharing meals away from the stadium.
Transitioning to the Next Chapter
While the retirement ceremony officially closed his active playing days, Chung made it clear that his association with the sport is far from over. After devoting considerable effort to physical conditioning in hopes of securing a postseason roster spot during his final active year, the veteran intends to discuss future organizational roles with the Uni-Lions front office.
“No matter what, I am not leaving baseball, I just don’t know which role,” Chung remarked, signaling an ongoing commitment to the sport. Much of that future focus is expected to center on grassroots development, echoing the collaborative efforts he and 林智勝 have directed toward supporting youth baseball in remote, underprivileged regions.
The emotional closing act of the evening saw Chung’s wife ride onto the field on a heavy motorcycle to escort him away, symbolizing a dramatic transition into retirement.
As the cheers at the Tainan Asia-Pacific Baseball Stadium faded into memory, the enduring impact of Chung’s career remains firmly etched in the history of Taiwan’s professional leagues, setting a benchmark for professional dedication, resilience, and community stewardship.