Taiwanese actress and model Lin Chi-ling is set to make a special appearance at the ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO stadium in Japan on June 22. After a gap of five years, she will be taking part in the opening pitch ceremony for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters baseball team, marking an exciting return to the baseball field. Lin has previously participated as a guest of honor for the first pitch at the Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium in Taiwan, and this time she is all set to grace the Japanese grounds.
ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO is Japan’s first natural grass baseball stadium equipped with a retractable roof. The event on June 22 will be the first game of the year played with the roof open, and Lin Chi-ling will have the honor of throwing the first pitch to kick off the game and hopefully bring luck to the home team.
This will be the first time for Lin Chi-ling to take on the challenge of throwing the first pitch at a baseball game. She expressed her excitement, saying, “After five years, I am really looking forward to seeing all my friends again. It’s a special privilege for me to participate in the opening pitch ceremony at such a unique venue. I have heard that the F VILLAGE and ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO baseball park in Hokkaido is a great place for sports, recreation, and dining, perfect for families to enjoy together. I am a supporter of baseball and have a deep love for Hokkaido, so I’m extremely happy to be here to throw the first pitch.”
Lin Chi-ling also shared some advice she received from her brother-in-law AKIRA, who had previously thrown the opening pitch for the Fubon Guardians team at the Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium in Taiwan. When asked if AKIRA gave her any tips based on his past experience, Lin Chi-ling revealed, “My brother-in-law suggested never to throw the ball when facing the backlight to avoid hitting the batter accidentally.” She also mentioned that during AKIRA’s appearance, she was spotted discreetly filming her husband pitching from the stands.
Despite AKIRA being unavailable to attend this time, Lin Chi-ling plans to share the footage of her successful pitch with him afterward. Lin confessed that although she doesn’t play baseball herself, she maintains a connection to the sport through her charity work. She mentioned, “Through the Lin Chi-ling Charity Foundation, we have supported some baseball teams, hoping to nurture future baseball talents. While I must admit I don’t know much about baseball, my husband’s family are all sports enthusiasts and big fans of Shohei Ohtani. We often watch games together.”
Aside from her acting career, Lin Chi-ling has been actively involved in various charity projects, focusing on children’s education and healthcare, as well as cultural inheritance, dream fulfillment programs, and early learning therapy. She has consistently shown her support for the development of baseball in Taiwan by sponsoring lunch fees, transportation, baseball training equipment, uniforms, and gear for aspiring young baseball players, aiming to cultivate excellence in the sport.
Lin Chi-ling’s debut in the film industry was in renowned director John Woo’s historical epic “Red Cliff” playing Xiao Qiao, which gained her widespread recognition. Her appearances in Japanese television dramas, such as the Fuji TV series “Moon Lovers,” have also endeared her to audiences in Japan.
Lin Chi-ling’s dedication to both her career and philanthropic endeavors reflects her commitment to making a positive impact in various aspects of society, including sports and community welfare. Her upcoming participation in the opening pitch ceremony in Japan serves as a testament to her passion for sports and her ongoing efforts to support and inspire young talents in the field of baseball.