New Taipei’s Ku Pao Home Economics and Commercial High School has made history for Taiwan’s youth baseball scene, after a dominant run in the 2025 Pony Baseball Palomino Division (U19) Asia-Pacific Regional Qualifiers in Manila, Philippines. The team finished the tournament undefeated, with a combined scoreline of 66-0 across four games — cementing their place in the Palomino World Series in Texas this July.
Pure Dominance: 66-0 Aggregate Scoreline
Ku Pao dominated every match, defeating host Philippine teams Maitum and Tarlac in four encounters:
- Game 1: Ku Pao vs. Maitum — 21-0
- Game 2: Ku Pao vs. Tarlac — 12-0
- Game 3: Ku Pao vs. Maitum (rematch) — 19-0
- Final Game: Ku Pao vs. Tarlac — 14-0
With no other countries participating due to logistical and financial constraints, Ku Pao had a relatively straightforward path to the title, relying on precision pitching, seamless teamwork, and deep batting strength.
Why This Win Matters
Although their victories came against limited opposition, Ku Pao’s performance showcases the deep talent pool and rigorous training methods in Taiwanese high school baseball. Their feat is significant because the Palomino World Series attracts elite youth teams from across the globe — making it a valuable exposure for rising Taiwanese athletes.
Building Towards the Palomino World Series
With the World Series slated for late July in Texas, Ku Pao’s manager, Yang Hsiao-cheng (楊孝承), emphasized the importance of maintaining their competitive edge. To better prepare, the team will practice intensively and arrange scrimmages with strong adult and high school teams across Taiwan. This approach aims to build resilience and adapt to the higher competitive level anticipated at the World Series.
Taiwanese Baseball Culture on the Global Stage
Baseball has long been Taiwan’s national sport, with a robust infrastructure supporting youth development. From Little League victories to appearances in the World Baseball Classic, Taiwanese teams have gained international recognition. Ku Pao High School’s performance serves as another reminder that Taiwanese youth baseball is a growing powerhouse that can compete with traditional global giants like the U.S., Japan, and the Dominican Republic.
What to Expect in Texas
The Palomino World Series, organized by the Pony Baseball and Softball Association, will feature top U19 teams from across the world. It serves as a global showcase of rising talent and an opportunity for Taiwanese athletes to test their mettle against peers from powerhouse baseball nations.
FAQs
What is the Palomino World Series?
The Palomino World Series is an international U19 baseball tournament organized by the Pony Baseball and Softball Association, featuring top teams from around the world.
How did Ku Pao High School qualify?
Ku Pao won the Asia-Pacific Qualifiers in Manila, defeating teams from the host nation with a combined 66-0 scoreline across four games.
What is significant about Ku Pao High School’s victory?
Their victory showcases Taiwan’s strong youth baseball culture and sets the team up for international exposure and competition in Texas.
When and where will the Palomino World Series be held?
The Palomino World Series will take place in late July in Texas, United States.
Will Ku Pao play any warm-up games before the World Series?
Yes, the team plans to play practice games against strong adult and high school teams across Taiwan to stay sharp.
