Sources: Hanshin Official / Daily Sports / Nikkan Sports
Hanshin’s newly-acquired left-handed pitcher, Wei-Yin Chen (35, formerly of the Chiba Lotte Marines) met the press in Nishinomiya at Koshien facilities on January 30. He will wear #14, which was recently worn by Atsushi Nohmi (now with Orix). He has expressed a strong desire to shut down the Yomiuri Giants and his old team, the Chunichi Dragons as well. “My biggest goal is to take down the Giants,” he said. “If we can’t beat them, it’s hard to imagine us winning the pennant. When I pitch against the Giants, I have confidence I can control the game.”
Chen has won 36 games in Japan, 9 of which came against the Giants, against whom he has a career 2.52 ERA. Though the team has changed vastly since he last faced them, he was impressed with Hayato Sakamoto, and is concerned about facing him again. That being said, the Giants’ captain hit just .244 (21-86) against Chen with 1 home run and 9 RBIs. Still, “I just remember him being a really strong hitter. He has batted .300 and hit 30 homers in a season before. He can do it all.” Nohmi, also a lefty, won 22 games against the Giants in his career and was known as a G-killer. “I know Nohmi-san wore #14 before me, and I want to carry on his legacy with the team as I face the Giants and other teams.”
As for the team that first brought him to Japan, the Dragons, he said, “It is going to be weird facing them. They’re special to me. Still, I have no intention of letting up against them, because they are the enemy now. I intend to show them what I’ve got. It’s going to be really special for me to pitch at Nagoya Dome against them, but… no fear!”
Here is part of the transcript of his press conference.
─How are you feeling right now?
I really wanted to come back to Japan, and I am so glad to be a member of the Hanshin Tigers, a team with such a rich history.
─What is your impression of Hanshin and Koshien Stadium?
The Tigers fans and their cheering left a special impression on me. When I pitched against them at Koshien, I really got excited to be able to pitch in front of so many fans.
─Have you gotten to speak with the manager or any of your teammates?
Just now I was able to meet the manager and really felt that he has high expectations for me. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I will do all I can to meet his expectations.
─What are your goals for this season?
My biggest goal is to help lead the team to a championship. I want to use all of my abilities to contribute to the team.
－One of the scouts when you joined the Dragons, Yasuaki Taiho, was a member of both the Dragons and the Tigers.
Other than my time in America, I have walked the same path as Taiho-san. The biggest difference is that he actually contributed to the team. When he was in Japan and still with us, I really idolized him. It was an honor to be able to walk the same path as him.
－What are your first impressions of Kansai?
When I was with the Dragons, I talked with Kazuki Yoshimi, who is from Kyoto, and I really felt like people from Kansai are interesting people. I hope to get out and eat some delicious okonomiyaki, but obviously, I have to stay within the team’s Covid protocols.
－What are your thoughts about Hanshin games being broadcast on TV in your homeland of Taiwan?
This is a huge chance for the people of Taiwan to see Japanese baseball in real-time. It’s exciting to think that I can play for not only the fans in Japan, but also those in Taiwan.
─Please give a message to all the Hanshin Tigers fans out there.
I am so happy to be able to join such a historic team. I feel like the fans here are going to be a real source of power for me, and I hope to put on a good performance for them. I look forward to seeing you all at the ballpark.