Nick Schifrin:
That identity can also be seen in a different kind of fusion of America and Japan.
Taiwan’s national identity is heavily shaped by the United States, which has had a presence on the island for decades. But it’s also shaped by the island’s Japanese colonial era. And it was Japan who brought the national pastime to Taiwan, baseball.
Taipei recently hosted qualifiers for the World Baseball Classic. Looks like your local sandlot, with a few enthusiastic color-coordinated additions.
And in the booth upstairs, Tseng Wen-cheng was calling the game. He’s been a commentator for 40 years and a fan for even longer.
So this is the souvenir room.
Back in his home, he shows off his favorite keepsakes, Taiwan’s most famous Major Leaguer, Tseng immortalized in bobblehead and Tseng with Taiwan’s former president wearing the uniform of his favorite team.
