TAIWAN – In response to Premier Liu Chao-shiuan’s call for local governments and businesses to help revive the sport of baseball on the island, the Taipei City Government announced last week that it will form a new baseball team next month to represent the city.

In an interdepartmental meeting, Taipei Deputy Mayor Wu Ching-chi said a consensus was reached that the former coach of New Yok Yankees pitcher Wang Chien-ming, Kao Ying-chieh, would be asked to become the head coach of the new team.

Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin had earlier discussed the feasibility of forming a team with Wu and other city officials.

The new team would cost appoximately 30 million NT (US$868,500) a year with the Sports Affairs Council providing a subsidy of 10 million NT ($289,500). The remaining 20 million NT ($579,000) would be raised from the mayor’s second preparatory fund and donations.

Tags: Taiwan