Taiwanese Li’l Leaguers due for Asia-Pac elims

MANILA, Philippines - Despite the strained relations between the Philippines and Chinese Taipei, the Taiwanese are sending three strong teams to the Asia Pacific Middle East Tournament that the country is hosting on June 30-July 8 at Clark Parade Grounds inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

The Taiwanese batters, considered a powerhouse in Little League baseball competitions, did not let the prevailing political tension deter their participation in the APME tourney, a qualifying event for the World Series, on Philippine soil. 

“They accepted the invitation to come and play despite the political question between Taiwan and the Philippines. This just goes to show that in the Little League baseball family, the values of friendship and understanding remain paramount,” said Little League Philippines district administrator Jolly Gomez.

Chinese-Taipei’s 55-member delegation is set to arrive in Manila on Sunday, a day before the opening ceremonies for the regionals featuring 47 teams from 15 countries and territories. The Taiwanese will participate in Little League Baseball (11-12), Junior League Baseball (13-14) and Big League Baseball (17-18). Thirteen players each will take part in LLB and JLB while 17 players will compete in BLB to be accompanied by nine coaches plus three mothers.

“They are actually the first sports team  to visit the other country ever since the incident,” said Gomez, referring to the May 9 shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman that strained Phl-Taiwan ties.

The unfortunate incident had earlier spilled over into sports as Gilas Pilipinas did not get an invitation from organizers of next month’s William Jones Cup in Chinese-Taipei over fears for the security of the Filipino cagers.

The Chinese Taipei Baseball Association had sought the greenlight from their government and got the okay to go to the Philippines for the regionals. Their participation was confirmed by CTBA’s Chris Day in a series of communications with Little League Philippines.

Gomez said they are coordinating with the Taiwan Economic Council and other government agencies to ensure a hassle-free stint for the Taiwanese and other participants.

“We guarantee the security and safety not only of the Taiwanese but also of all the delegates. We will put our best foot forward and make them experience the world-famous Filipino hospitality,” he said.

The Taiwanese’ presence boosted the level of competition as well.

“Their participation is good for Philippine-Chinese Taipei relations but it’s bad news for the other teams because Chinese Taipei is really strong,” said LLP assistant district administrator Chito Gonzales.

The Philippines will field a full contingent in the regionals, sending entries in all nine divisions on tap, led by reigning Big League Softball World Series champion Manila.