•Publication Date：08/29/2014
•Source： Taiwan Today
A formation of ROC air force Mirage 2000s opened the Lamigo Monkeys versus EDA Rhinos fixture Aug. 28 at Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium, exhilarating fans and spotlighting next month’s Armed Forces Day.
The flyby, which saw five of the French-made jets streaking low over the stadium in V-formation, was the first in the 25-year history of professional baseball in Taiwan. It was also part of the pre-match Play Nice—Salute to the Heroes promotion.
Other activities in the promotion included an appearance at the game by 70 service member role models, as well as performances by the entertainment battalion, military band and special forces. In addition, the ROC flag was also carried on the field by 45 soldiers before the crowd joined military personnel in singing the national anthem.
According to Taipei City-based Chinese Professional Baseball League, the flyby is an expression of gratitude to the military for its recent disaster relief efforts following the plane crash in Penghu and pipeline explosions in Kaohsiung last month. “The promotion was a resounding success and boosted attendance from the usual average of 3,000 to more than 7,000,” the league said.
Lo Chia-jen, a Rhino pitcher who used to play in the U.S., said flybys are part and parcel of professional sporting events. “But it was unique to see here in Taiwan.”
Echoing Lo’s remarks, Monkeys coach Hung Yi-chung said the fact that the military is willing to take part in the opening of a CPBL game underscores the value of professional baseball in Taiwan. “Such events are good for the fans, players and image of the sport. I hope it sets a precedent for future fixtures.”
Efforts first made by the Monkeys to organize the flyby in 2013 failed to get off the ground. But the Ministry of National Defense got back to the team this year with an offer and spent two weeks preparing for the show.
An MND official said after returning to their nearby air base, the pilots rushed back to the stadium for the match, which was won 11-3 by the Kaohsiung City-based Rhinos.
