Taiwanese Baseball Star Wang Po-Jung Reaches Milestone with 100th Career Home Run
Taipei, Taiwan – Wang Po-Jung, the celebrated outfielder for the Taiwan Steel Unicorns, etched his name further into the annals of Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) history on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, with his 100th career home run. The momentous hit came in the sixth inning against a pitch from Chen Pin-Hung of the Fubon Guardians, marking a significant achievement for the veteran player. Wang’s accomplishment places him as the 28th player in CPBL history to reach this milestone, and the 10th active player to do so. The game concluded with a 5-1 victory for the Unicorns, ending a recent four-game losing streak.
The achievement is particularly noteworthy considering Wang’s journey. After a successful stint with the Lamigo Monkeys (now the Rakuten Monkeys) from 2015 to 2019, where he demonstrated considerable power hitting, he pursued a career in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan. He returned to the CPBL in 2024, joining the newly established Taiwan Steel Unicorns. Prior to Wednesday’s game, Wang had amassed 99 home runs in 617 games and 2,708 at-bats. He now has a total of 100 home runs in 618 games and 2,711 at-bats. The journey to 100 was not without its challenges, as Wang experienced a nine-game stretch without a home run leading up to this pivotal moment.
A Return to Form and Echoes of the Past
The home run wasn’t the only highlight of Wang’s performance on Wednesday. He also recorded a double in the third inning and another single in the eighth, contributing significantly to the Unicorns’ offensive effort. His manager, Hong Yi-Chung, observed a promising resurgence in Wang’s hitting, noting similarities to his peak performance during his time with the Lamigo Monkeys. Hong Yi-Chung commented that Wang appears to be regaining the form he displayed during his earlier career, suggesting a more relaxed and confident approach at the plate. “His mental approach is different this season,” Hong stated, “He’s playing with a lighter heart, treating each game as it comes, and not putting too much pressure on himself.”
Wang himself downplayed the significance of the milestone, emphasizing his focus on contributing to the team’s success. “Reaching 100 home runs was always going to happen eventually,” he said, according to Tvbs News. “My priority is to help the team win. There are still games to be played, and that’s what matters most.” He also expressed a sense of enjoyment in his approach to the game, stating that he is simply “having fun” at the ballpark.
A Swift Track to History
Wang’s achievement is notable not only for reaching the 100-home run mark but also for the speed with which he accomplished it. He reached the milestone in 618 games, making him the 12th-fastest player in CPBL history to do so. This surpasses the previous record held by Chang Tai-Shan, who reached 100 home runs in 628 games. Lin Chung-Chiu remains the fastest, having achieved the feat in 602 games. The Taiwan Steel Unicorns are planning a modest celebration of Wang’s accomplishment during their game at the Taipei Dome on May 1, with further recognition planned at their home stadium in Kaohsiung’s Chengching Lake Baseball Stadium.
Throughout his career, Wang has hit home runs in 10 different ballparks. His most frequent home run venue is the Taoyuan Baseball Stadium, where he has launched 38 home runs. Chengching Lake Baseball Stadium follows with 19 home runs. He has also hit 13 home runs at the Intercontinental Baseball Stadium in Taichung, 12 at the Tainan Baseball Stadium, and 9 at the Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium. He has also hit 3 at the Hsinchu Baseball Stadium, 2 each at the Tianmu and Douliu Baseball Stadiums, and 1 each at the Taipei Dome and Chiayi City Baseball Stadium.
The CPBL continues to be a vibrant and competitive league, attracting both local talent and players with international experience. Wang Po-Jung’s journey, from his early success with the Lamigo Monkeys to his time in Japan and his current resurgence with the Taiwan Steel Unicorns, exemplifies the dynamic nature of professional baseball in Taiwan. His 100th home run is a testament to his dedication, skill, and enduring passion for the game.
The Taiwan Steel Unicorns will continue their season with an away game against the Uni-President Lions on May 3, 2026. Fans can follow the CPBL schedule and results on the league’s official website: www.cpbl.com.tw. The team hopes to build on Wednesday’s victory and continue their climb in the league standings.
What are your thoughts on Wang Po-Jung’s achievement? Share your comments below and let us know what you reckon!