TAIPEI, Taiwan – In a ceremony steeped in tradition and mutual respect, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te awarded baseball icon Wang Zhenzhi the “First Class Jingxing Medal” on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The honor, Taiwan’s highest for a civilian, recognizes Wang’s extraordinary contributions to the sport and his enduring role in fostering baseball ties between Taiwan and Japan. The presentation comes just weeks before the start of the World Baseball Classic (WBC), adding another layer of significance to the event.
President Lai lauded Wang Zhenzhi’s record-breaking 868 career home runs, calling it a source of pride not just for Japan, but for Taiwan as well. “Mr. Wang Zhenzhi’s world record of 868 home runs is a source of pride for both Taiwan and Japan,” Lai stated during the ceremony, as reported by the Central News Agency. The President also highlighted Wang’s consistent dedication to Taiwanese baseball, spanning decades of support and mentorship.
The award ceremony wasn’t merely a formal recognition; it was a celebration of a shared passion. President Lai presented Wang with a “TEAM TAIWAN x Presidential Office co-branded cap and T-shirt,” Taiwanese goldfish tea symbolizing prosperity, and a Taiwan-themed pillow as tokens of gratitude. In return, Wang gifted President Lai a signed baseball, a Japanese senban (a traditional wooden board used for practicing hitting), and a Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks jacket, prompting a lighthearted exchange where Lai joked about signing Wang to a team.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials including Administrative Yuan (Executive Branch) head Cho Jung-tai and Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an, both of whom shared personal anecdotes about their admiration for Wang Zhenzhi. Pan Meng-an recalled attempting to emulate Wang’s signature “straw man” batting stance as a young baseball player, with predictably comical results.
The moment was capped off with President Lai, Wang Zhenzhi, Cho Jung-tai, and Pan Meng-an recreating Wang’s iconic “straw man” batting pose, a gesture that resonated with fans and underscored the enduring legacy of the baseball legend. The pose, known for its distinctive one-legged stance, became synonymous with Wang’s power hitting and innovative approach to the game.
Wang Zhenzhi, often referred to as “Oh-san” by fans, is a household name in both Japan and Taiwan. His “lifetime dedication” and “one-soul-one-ball” approach to the game, as described by President Lai, have inspired generations of baseball players and fans. He has consistently supported Taiwanese baseball, serving as a player, team manager, and club president over the years.
The timing of the award is particularly poignant, coinciding with the upcoming WBC. Wang Zhenzhi expressed his confidence in the strength of the Taiwanese team, stating it was the strongest he had ever seen. He voiced his hope that Taiwan and Japan could both advance to the championship game in the United States, elevating the profile of Asian baseball on the world stage. “For many years, I have always hoped to advance to the finals in the United States with the Taiwanese team. This time, I believe that the Taiwanese and Japanese teams will definitely advance to the finals in the United States together,” Wang said, according to reports.
This isn’t the first high honor bestowed upon Wang Zhenzhi recently. In November 2025, he received the “Cultural Medal” from the Emperor of Japan, a testament to his cultural impact and contributions to the sport. The simultaneous recognition from both nations, President Lai noted, is a symbol of the strong relationship between Taiwan and Japan.
Wang Zhenzhi, visibly moved by the President’s words, expressed his gratitude for the honor and reflected on his long career. He spoke of the many friendships he had forged through baseball and his good fortune to have been involved in the sport for so long. He acknowledged that whereas baseball has always been his primary focus, it has also brought him many other rewards throughout his life.
Looking ahead to the WBC, Wang Zhenzhi praised the current Taiwanese team as “the strongest ever.” He expressed optimism about their chances of success and their potential to compete with Japan and other top teams in the tournament. The WBC is scheduled to commence on March 5th, and both Taiwan and Japan are considered strong contenders.
The award ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the unifying force of baseball and the enduring bond between Taiwan and Japan. It also highlighted the importance of recognizing individuals who have dedicated their lives to the sport and have inspired countless others along the way. As the WBC approaches, the spotlight will be on both the Taiwanese and Japanese teams, with fans hoping to see both nations craft a deep run in the tournament.
What’s Next: The World Baseball Classic begins on March 5th. Taiwan will face Cuba in their opening game. Fans can follow updates on the official WBC website: https://www.worldbaseballclassic.com/
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