The Australian Baseball League (ABL) have announced the 2017 All-Star Game rosters. The teams will be based on players nationality, and it is going to be a showdown between Team Australia vs Team World All-Star.
Several Taiwanese players (Chiang Chih-Hsien, Lin Chih-Sheng and Jhang Jin-De) have been named to represent the World team in the upcoming ABL All-Star Game on the 21st December in Melbourne.
Veteran Chang Tai-Shan is on the ballot trying to make the remaining 2 open spots on the All-Star roster. It will be up to the fans to decide who’s going to make the final cut.
蔣智賢 (Chiang Chih-Hsien) – Sydney Blue Sox
Chiang has been the heart of the Blue Sox offense this season. Currently slashing .414/.435/.759 while leading the league in home runs (5).
- 5 home runs – 1st in the league.
- .759 Slugging percentage – 2nd in the league.
- .414 Batting average – 3rd in the league.
- 24 hits – 4th in the league.
- 16 RBI – 4th in the league.
CHIANG GOES BANG! Massive blast over centrefield by Chiang Chih-Hsien extends the @SydneyBlueSox lead! #ABLSoxBandits pic.twitter.com/BPgYiqOkfZ
— ABL (@ABL) December 9, 2017
林智勝 (Lin Chih-Sheng) – Brisbane Bandits
The power is back! After a few weeks of drought in the extra base hit department, Lin had a monster round 4. Hitting 3 home runs in 4 games last week against the Blue Sox.
Lin is currently hitting in middle of the Bandits lineup and posted a record of .327/.367/.538 with 3 home runs and 14 RBI.
LINSANITY! Lin Chih-Sheng (Ake) nails his second home run of the ballgame for the @BrisbaneBandits! That's four in two games for the Taiwanese legend! #ABLSoxBandits pic.twitter.com/d8hbPQCPJz
— ABL (@ABL) December 9, 2017
張進德 (Jhang Jin-De) – Sydney Blue Sox
The Pirates Pirates Double-A farmhand is hitting .273/.333/.364 and currently on a 4-game hitting streak.
Jhang’s value is really behind the plate, the Taiwanese catcher has been throwing out base-stealer all over the place. In 12 games, Jhang successfully caught 12 runners in 15 base stealing attempt.
Jhang Jin-De guns out TJ Bennett for the @SydneyBlueSox! Great arm from the Taiwanese catcher! pic.twitter.com/vWj2wjimMu
— ABL (@ABL) December 8, 2017
張泰山 (Chang Tai-Shan) – Adelaide Bites
The 41 years old veteran is hitting .246/.271/.281 with 10 RBI. With 2 final spots remaining in the World All-Star team. Chang will need the support of his fans to make the 2017 ABL All-Star roster.
Great plate coverage from Chang Tai-Shan and the @AdelaideBite lead it 8-5 over the @PerthHeat #ABLBiteHeat pic.twitter.com/n0T3jlMEB3
— ABL (@ABL) December 10, 2017
Update (15-DEC) Chang will be in the All-Star Game
The ABL have confirmed that Chang Tai-Shan has secured a spot on the World Team roster, receiving over 10,000 votes from fans.
Over 12k votes were cast, and going to the ASG thanks to your votes are Tai-Shan Chang (@AdelaideBite) and Michael Suchy (@SydneyBlueSox)
TOP 5:
Tai-Shan Chang (10,834 ???)
Michael Suchy (544)
Rodrigo Ayarza (440)
Adam Weisenburger (430)
Garrett Whitley (275) pic.twitter.com/QQIzGBjlzL— ABL (@ABL) December 15, 2017