AFC Champions League” Yangdai Steel’s first kick-off experience recalls the excitement of putting on the Taiwan team jersey

Yangdai Steel kicks off. (Photo by reporter Gong Naijie)

[Special Correspondent Gong Naijie/Reporting from Tokyo, Japan] Before the 2026 Asian Professional Baseball Championship between Taiwan and Japan tonight, Yang Daigang served as the kickoff guest for the first time in his career, triggering cheers from Taiwanese and Japanese fans in the audience. He admitted that he was originally very nervous, "I was practicing pitching in the back just now. This role is not easy."

It was very meaningful for Yang Daigang to serve as the kick-off guest for the Tokyo Dome Japan's opening game last night. Not only did he represent Taiwan in the first AFC Champions League in 2017, but the East Egg is also the home court where he plays for the Yomiuri Giants. He said, "It's been a long time since I've been to the stadium. It's a very familiar atmosphere. The fans of both teams are also very enthusiastic. There are cheers after the national anthem is sung. I will be very excited when I play for the national team."

The AFC Champions League is mainly for young people under the age of 24. Yang Daigang admitted that he knows very few players. "It is mainly the coaching staff. They are all my former national teammates. I just went to the coaching room to say hello." After retiring, Yang Daigang worked as a commentator for Nippon Professional Baseball. He bluntly said that he discovered a new world after being exposed to it. "This is a good learning role and a lot of knowledge."