Although rain would not only delay but cut game one of the five-game series between the Chinese Tapei National Baseball Team and the Major League Baseball(MLB) All-Stars short, the sold-out New Taipei City XinZhuang Stadium crowd’s spirits were not dampened and relished in the sheer excitement which brought together two distinctly different countries and cultures. After the United States and the Republic of China national anthems were played, the international delegation which included Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou was introduced.

President Ma threw out the ceremonial first pitch and welcomed the visiting MLB All-Stars to Taiwan. He encouraged friendly competition among the players and fans for the common love of the game. President Ma also presented a trophy to MLB Washington Nationals pitcher Chien-Ming Wang–wearing a Chinese Taipei uniform–for his invaluable contribution to the international sport of baseball. The anticipation of Wang taking the mound will have to simmer until this weekend when the Taiwanese-born superstar will be the starting pitcher for the Chinese Tapei squad and square up against his fellow MLB All-Stars at Cheng-Ching Lake Stadium in Kaohsiung.

With news today that the Washington Nationals and Wang’s agent, Alan Nero, have agreed in principle on a one-year deal, a three inning or 60 pitch limit for Wang will be strictly adhered to according to Taiwan national team manager Chen Wei-Cheng. MLB Network will televise the remaining scheduled Taiwan All-Star Series games on November 3rd  & 4th at Intercontinental Stadium in Taichung, and November 5th & 6th at Chengcing Lake Stadium in Kaohsiung. With the exception of a 2 pm(PST) start time on November 5th, first pitch is scheduled for 6 pm(PST) every night.