Lai honors baseball home run legend Sadaharu OhStaff writer, with CNAPresident William Lai (賴清德) yesterday conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on baseball legend Sadaharu Oh (王貞治), honoring his lifelong contributions to the sport in Taiwan and Japan. During the ceremony at the Presidential Office, Lai praised the 85-year-old icon as a “global baseball hero,” whose legendary “flamingo” leg kick helped him set a world record of 868 home runs. “Mr Oh is the shared pride of both Japan and Taiwan,” Lai said, adding that his spirit of isshou kenmei, or total dedication to one’s calling, moved fans around the world. Baseball legend Sadaharu Oh, left, holds up a sweatshirt presented to him by President William Lai at the Presidential Office in Taipei yesterday. From left, Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Meng-an, baseball legend Sadaharu Oh, President William Lai and Premier Cho Jung-tai pose in Oh’s signature “golden rooster” pitching stance at the Presidential Office in Taipei yesterday.

Source: Taipei Times February 26, 2026 18:42 UTC