Day 5

We went to number 1 diamond Wan-Shou stadium for an early morning training. Felt like it was the hottest it has been since we arrived. First time that we didn`t forget anything, lose anything, break anything, or get told off.
It was great to see Sally here, she is going to spend a few days with the team. Sally was the liason officer last year when four of the team went to Taiwan for the WCBF.  We also have on board Tina, our go to girl who has been assigned to the NZ team.

Training

stadium lobby



Day 4

Today was a slightly more relaxed day.  We started off with a trip to the batting cage and then went on to the Top City Far Eastern Department Store, which turned to be up market exclusive/expensive shopping. Not really ideal for a group of 11 and 12 year olds, the air conditioning was great though!
Meanwhile our extra supporters had arrived from NZ and were trying to make their way to the team Hotel, Ian sent through the address to Donna  (printed on our luggage tags which were efficiently supplied by our team manager).  We arrived back at the hotel to find out the address we had sent through was for another Plaza Hotel in town and they spent almost an hour driving round Tai Chung trying to find us. Needless to say it was not what they needed on top of travelling all night to get here!
We then headed off to Diamond no.2 for our last practice game against the Li-Sing LL.  It turned out the venue is not yet finished so we played the game with several workmen painting, digging and welding around us.  The bad weather over the last 2 weeks had delayed progress, however they seemed confident it would be finished in time for the first game on Monday.
In an interview after the game Head Coach Mike summed up the game as follows:
"After some concerns about our day off and the ability to refocus the team came out super strong from first innings to the last, once again we've been impressed by our pitching and feel that this will hold us in good stead for the tournament."  Final score 2-1 to NZ.
Tonight the team enjoyed a meal in the hotel restaurant and we are hoping they will settle down for an early night!

 Pink ice-cream at Top City

 We hope it will be finished

 Nice hit

Day 3

Another exhausting and long day, but a day the team will never forget for the rest of their lives.
We started off with a visit to the waterpark, think Aussie Gold Coast, Wet and Wild.  Suffered only one visit to first aid, 1 lost towel and 1 assistant coach throwing a ball into the water after we were all changed, which means we're improving from our previous days!!  The funniest part of the day was all having to wear a swimming cap, we all thought we looked ridiculous, but we blended in with the locals!
We then were on the bus for 2 hours to go to Tainan City to watch a pro-baseball game between the Lions and The Bulls.  We were hosted by the Lions and taken in to the VIP area on arrival.  The team then went out and fielded fly balls for the Lions practice session. They came in exhausted after 30+ minutes but really excited with the experience.  The team were catching balls at the 400ft mark, amazing to see and no injuries recorded.  All of us were proud of their catching skills. Prior to the game starting the team had the honour of taking the diamond and performing a haka, it was a special moment for the crowd who were silent and seemed to really appreciate it. The team then exchanged gifts with the General Manager of the Lions.  Afterwards the whole touring group were spoilt with gifts and dinner in the VIP area.  However we helped boost the clubs income by all purchasing from the supporters shop during the game.  A special thanks goes to Cola Yeh, who arranged this whole experience for the team.
Very late night, arriving back at the hotel to witness the Australian Little League team supporters damage the hotel lift!

 Brian showing off aka Kelly Slater

 Henry & Tekumi

 Tour guide COLA

 Coach Mike

 Lazy river ride with stylish caps

 Spot the ball

 Big thanks to the Lions management team

 The beginning

 Spine chilling

 Proud

NZ team supporting the Lions



Day 2

We had an early practice game today against Li-Sing LL at a different ball park.  It was a good chance for the team to play on an unusual surface, and learn to judge the bounce of the ball.  Some big hits were taken in the outfield and the infield made some great plays.
We then went to the baseball shop next to the ground, Cola negotiated 30% discount for the team.  But I think the owner still did ok!
After lunch we watched the Elephants (Cola's old team) play the Bulls in a minor league stadium.
Then we visited the No. 1 Diamond for the tournament, Wan-Sho Stadium.  Chinese-Taipei were training on the ground, and yes they look big, strong and scary!!!
For batting practice, we visited a public batting cage facility, there was about 12 cages there, and you could choose what speed the ball was pitched, 80-150km.  The coaches and the dads had a go too! More baseball shopping followed.
Dinner was at a buffet featuring Squirrel, rabbit and frog - or so Brian told some of the kids!
Today was a good day - we only had 1 blood nose, 1 black eye, 1 lost shoe (in the hotel somewhere) and 1 lost room key!

 Tyler about to hit

 Ayrton bunt & run

 The captains knock

 Running Mitchell home

 Shopping

 Pro baseball stadium

 Elephants vs Bulls

 Little League stadium

 Watching Chinese Taipei training

Dinner



Day 1 traditional chinese dinner

Day One

Arrived safely after a very long journey, which was delayed by an hour.  Airport processing was extremely efficient.  So far we've had 2 vomits, 1 blood nose, gifts lost 3 times, 1 lost phone, money lost but later recovered and cleats left on the bus.  All in 36 hours!

Cola's been fantastic, the kids have eaten well and are coping with the temperature and lack of sleep.

We went to a school's batting cage for practice, it seems the whole school revolves round baseball.  We then played a practice game, it was very exciting.  The team played well but we lost in the 6th innings.

For dinner Cola arranged a traditional Chinese meal, enjoyed by all.

Breakfast at the hotel

 Practice

 Practice

 Warm up

 Diamond preparation

Taishi about to hit a home run, that is true!!!!!



Farewell photos