Former Major League Baseball superstars Jason Giambi and Ivan Rodriguez landed at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport last night on an EVA Air flight from Los Angeles in preparation for Taiwan’s All-Star Weekend.
Giambi and Rodriguez, also know as “I-Rod,” were invited by Taiwanese baseball authorities to take part in Sunday’s Home Run Derby, where they are set to compete against selected hitters from the four CPBL clubs.
The two retired MLB legends have also been chosen as VIP guests to toss the ceremonial first pitch for Saturday’s CPBL All-Star Game, which is to feature top-flight baseball players divided into “Team Power” versus “Team Speed.”
Photo: Courtesy of CPBL
Before their departure yesterday at Los Angeles International Airport, Giambi and Rodriguez posed for photographs and said they were looking forward to this weekend’s events.
CPBL officials said that the participation of the two former professional players would make this year’s All-Star Weekend at Taichung Intercontinental Stadium special, and that it would be a memorable event for the nation’s sports fans.
Giambi boats a career total of 440 home runs, 2,010 hits and 1,441 RBIs, winning the American League MVP Award in 2000 and being selected as an All-Star for five consecutive years from 2000 to 2004.
Rodriguez, a 14-time All-Star catcher, totaled 311 homers, 2,844 hits and 1,332 RBIs, winning the American League MVP Award in 1999.
Both are household names, known for their batting consistency and home-run slugging power, having featured prominently in starting lineups for top teams and in post-season playoff series.
Giambi played with Taiwan’s Wang Chien-ming at the New York Yankees for four seasons from 2005 to 2008, while Rodriguez caught for Wang when both were at the Washington Nationals in 2011.
Prior to Sunday’s Home Run Derby, Taiwanese baseball old-timers from the defunct Mercury Tigers, Weichuan Dragons and Chinatrust Whales are to play a shortened three-inning Legend All-Stars Game in the afternoon.
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