With Adelaide Bites’ recent signing of 41 years old 張泰山 (Chang Tai-Shan) for the 2017/18 ABL season. Let’s take a look back at some of the best moments from the former CPBL superstar in his 20 years career (1996-2015).
First CPBL Home Run
Full-haired 19 years old rookie Chang Tai-Shang burst onto the CPBL scene back in 1996 for the Wei Chuan Dragons. Chang posted a record of .333/.355/.565 with 16 HR and 139 OPS+ and won the Rookie of the Year award.
[#CPBL time machine] Veteran 張泰山 (Chang Tai-Shang) as a 19-yr-old rookie hits his 1st career HR back in 1996. cc @AdelaideBite & @ABL pic.twitter.com/D2jXhd7pzq
— CPBL STATS (@GOCPBL) August 28, 2017
Final CPBL Home Run (289)
With the rise of several young power hitters within the Uni-Lions organisation. Chang was given limited play time in the 1st team during 2014 and 2015 season. Chang hits his final CPBL homer (289th) on September 20th 2015. He was offered a coaching contract at the end of 2015 season, but Chang turned it down.
Hitting for the cycle
In 2009, Chang became the 7th CPBL player to hit for the cycle (2B-HR-1B-3B). He is also the first Sinon Bulls player to achieved that.
“At that time (final at-bat), I just want to stop our 9-game losing streak against Elephants. As I rounded the first base, I heard our base coach yelling third, so I decided to go for it.” – Said Chang after the game.
Pitching in the CPBL All-Star Game
Home run against Cuban National Team
In 2006 Intercontinental Cup, with Chang’s game winning 2-run shot. Team Taiwan was able to advanced to the next round after defeating Team Cuba 4-3.
An interesting way of greeting umpire
Being one of the senior players in the league. Chang pretty much know everybody, including all the umpires. Here’s how Chang said hello to one of the umpire. (As a joke of course)
Bat spinning trick
Game winning triple against ABL’s Perth Heat
With Chang going to ABL in 2017/18 season. Here’s some Chang & ABL connections from back in the day. We dug up a video of Chang Tai-Shan hitting a game-winning triple against Perth Heat in 2011 Asia Series.
Grand Slam in Taiwan Series
Chang was named 2011 Taiwan Series Game 5 MVP after his grand slam against Lamigo Monkeys. Uni-Lions ended up defeating Monkeys 10-6 and captured their 8th Taiwan Series Championships in franchise history.
Bat flip but celebrate too early
We all know Chang can hit home runs. But here’s a video of him celebrate way too early, thinking it going to be go-ahead 2-run homer.
