New Taipei City, April 13, 2025 – TSG Hawks’ manager Hung I-chung (洪一中) etched his name deeper into the history books of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) on Sunday, becoming the first manager in league history to oversee 2,000 games. The milestone came during a dramatic 4-2 extra-innings win over the Fubon Guardians at New Taipei’s Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium.
But beyond the numbers lies a narrative of perseverance, transformation, and a legacy that has shaped Taiwanese baseball for over two decades.
🔍 More Than Just a Milestone: Hung’s Career in Focus
Hung’s managerial journey began in 2004 with the La New Bears, a team that later evolved into the Lamigo Monkeys, and now Rakuten Monkeys. Over 21 years, he has amassed 1,044 wins, 921 losses, and 35 draws. He’s the league leader in both wins and championship titles (7), and his seven CPBL Manager of the Year awards further cement his legendary status.
At 63 years old, Hung is a veteran not only in age but in influence. Known for his tough love and strategic mind, he was a cornerstone in developing younger players, modernizing game strategies, and professionalizing team operations within the CPBL.
Yet Hung himself doesn’t romanticize the achievement. “This journey is 2,000 painful experiences,” he remarked post-game. “If I had the choice again, I wouldn’t be a manager. It’s too painful.”
⚾ Sunday’s Game: A Symbolic Victory
In what seemed almost cinematic, the Hawks clinched the win in the 10th inning, powered by Tu Chia-ming (杜家明), who had earlier struck out twice. Tu responded with a solo homer in the 7th, followed by a game-winning two-RBI double in the 10th, earning him the MVP award and capping off Hung’s 2,000th game with a symbolic comeback performance.
Tu reflected emotionally, saying, “This performance means even more because of what today signifies for Manager Hung.”
💬 Hung’s Reflections: The Price of Pressure
Hung opened up about the psychological toll of managing at such a high level, admitting to moments where he didn’t even want to get out of bed. His early seasons, particularly the first two to three years, were riddled with criticism and uncertainty.
But a championship in his third season kept him afloat — a point he jokingly noted:
“A title buys you two more seasons. Without that one, I might’ve been gone.”
He expressed gratitude to former team owners Hung Teng-sheng (Brother Elephants) and Liu Bao-you (La New Bears) for believing in him when few others did.
🧢 TSG Hawks: Growing Pains, But Promise
Despite the personal milestone, the Hawks have had a shaky 2025 season, starting with three straight losses — a first in Hung’s managerial career. Currently tied at the bottom of the standings with a 4-7 record, they’re looking to rebuild and adapt.
Still, Hung remains hopeful, pointing to the team’s chemistry and ownership support:
“The unity here reminds me of the Lamigo days. The owner says, ‘Just do your best,’ and that takes the pressure off.”
In just their second CPBL season (they finished 2024 at 49-70-1), the Hawks are still in the development phase — and having a seasoned figure like Hung is a long-term investment in both strategy and culture.
🧠 Original Insights: Why Hung’s Legacy Matters
Hung’s 2,000-game milestone represents more than endurance — it’s a barometer of how Taiwanese baseball has evolved. From struggling franchises and questionable player development systems in the early 2000s, to the modern-day CPBL with its growing international reach and rising domestic talent, Hung’s career spans — and in many ways, defines — this transformation.
- He normalized data-driven baseball tactics in a league once driven solely by instinct.
- He advocated for mental conditioning and player psychology, which are now standard practices across CPBL teams.
- His resilience mirrors Taiwan’s sports culture: persistently underdog, yet quietly historic.
❓ FAQs
Who is Hung I-chung?
Hung I-chung is the most successful and experienced manager in CPBL history, holding records for most wins, championships, and games managed.
What was the significance of the April 13, 2025 game?
It marked Hung’s 2,000th CPBL game as a manager — a league first — and ended a three-game losing streak for the TSG Hawks.
What’s his career record now?
1,044 wins, 921 losses, and 35 draws across 21 seasons.
How have the TSG Hawks performed under Hung?
While 2025 has been rough, Hung’s leadership is seen as crucial for the long-term development of the Hawks, who are only in their second season.
What challenges has Hung faced?
High-pressure expectations, early-career criticisms, and psychological burnout — but he’s emerged as a mentor figure and leader in Taiwanese baseball.
