Taipei: Former MLB pitcher and current CTBC Brothers pitching coach Wang Chien-ming took on the role of guest pitching coach for Palau’s national baseball team on Monday. This coaching session was part of a training initiative in Taiwan aimed at preparing the Palauan team for the upcoming Pacific Mini Games, a regional multi-sport event that includes baseball, scheduled to be held in June.

According to Focus Taiwan, the training program is organized by National Taiwan Sport University in collaboration with Taiwan’s Sports Administration. The initiative seeks to enhance the skills of the Palauan team while they’re in Taiwan. Sports Administration Director-General Cheng Shih-chung invited Wang to impart his expertise, given his notable career with the New York Yankees from 2005 to 2008.

Wang focused on improving the technical details of Palau’s pitchers, helping them optimize their pitching techniques. The session included guidance on ball grip, throwing motion, and maximizing power from the pivot foot. Wang also shared insights on his renowned sinker pitch, which was a signature during his MLB career.

Palauan pitcher Ray Rdialul Rumong highlighted the value of Wang’s detailed coaching, noting that the session provided new insights, particularly in achieving better pitch control. Cheng emphasized that involving Wang in the program aligns with Taiwan’s goal of sharing its baseball resources with Palau to enhance the island-state’s baseball capabilities.

The initiative also includes plans for the Palauan team to gain experience by playing against local school teams at various levels, which will help the Palauan players develop their skills further, as stated by Cheng.