Former Uni-Lions pitcher Wang Chao-min passed away from heat exhaustion at the age of 30. He had overcome cancer to achieve his dream of playing professional baseball.
Former pitcher for the Uni-President 7-ELEVEn Lions of the Chinese Professional Baseball League, Wang Chao-min, collapsed from heat exhaustion while working at a construction site on May 9, 2025, and was pronounced dead at the hospital. He was 30. Wang Chao-min had Bunun and Paiwan heritage and was diagnosed with lymphoma during his freshman year of high school. After treatment, he returned to the field and entered professional baseball in 2014. Although he only briefly played in the minor leagues, his fight against cancer inspired countless fans. After the news of his passing broke, both the baseball community and indigenous communities mourned his loss.
Little League Fame: Fastball Over 75 mph Shocks International Stage
Wang Chao-min was born on March 10, 1995, with Bunun and Paiwan heritage, and showed exceptional athletic talent from a young age. The Bunun and Paiwan are indigenous groups in Taiwan, known for their rich cultural traditions. In 2007, he represented Taichung City's Lixing Elementary School in the LLB World Little League Championship in the United States, serving as the ace pitcher and main right fielder. His fastest fastball exceeded 75 mph (about 120 km/h), leaving opposing batters swinging at air and earning him instant fame. His dominance and performance in the tournament made him the focus of scouts both domestically and internationally.
After entering junior high school, Wang Chao-min's fastball speed continued to increase, reaching 140 km/h during this period. He also developed a powerful slider and was selected three times for the Chinese Taipei Youth Baseball Team, being seen as a potential future star in professional baseball.
High School Cancer Diagnosis: Temporary Farewell to Focus on Treatment
Wang Chao-min attended Kao-Yuan Vocational High School of Technology & Commerce (later renamed Xi-Yuan High School), a renowned baseball school. However, in his first year, he was unfortunately diagnosed with lymphoma, forcing him to pause his baseball career to focus on treatment. During this time, he was unable to participate in most of the high school games, only occasionally joining some matches.
After a long period of treatment and recovery, Wang Chao-min returned to the field in the second semester of his senior year, participating in the 2013 Yushan Cup regional selection tournament, showcasing his restored strength and determination. The Yushan Cup is a significant tournament in Taiwan, highlighting emerging baseball talent. His battle with cancer and persistence in returning to the field drew attention from the media and fans at the time.
Professional Baseball Dream: Brief Stint with Uni-President Lions
After graduating high school in 2013, Wang Chao-min entered the first Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) draft for high school graduates and was selected third by the Lamigo Monkeys. However, he was unable to officially sign due to failing the medical examination. In 2014, with scouting and medical reports provided by his agency, he was given a tryout opportunity by the Uni-President Lions and was selected in the sixth round of that year's draft, officially joining the Uni-President 7-ELEVEn Lions, realizing his dream of playing professional baseball.
During his time with the Uni-President Lions, Wang primarily played in the second team, appearing in a total of five games. Although he did not leave a record in the first team, his journey from battling cancer to professional baseball made him an inspirational figure in the baseball community at the time. In the middle of the 2016 season, he voluntarily left the team due to health reasons, ending his two-year professional baseball career.
Post-Retirement Career in Construction: Tragically Passes Away
After leaving the baseball world, Wang Chao-min worked in construction with his father. Despite the simple life, he continued to show responsibility and resilience. On May 9, 2025, he suddenly collapsed while working, suspected of suffering from heat exhaustion, and was rushed to the hospital but was ultimately pronounced dead at the age of 30. The exact cause of death remains to be clarified.
Following the news, Wang Chao-min's former coaches, teammates, and fans expressed their condolences. His mentor from his Little League days, Zhang Zhen-nan, and his wife were deeply saddened by the news, and both the indigenous community and the baseball world expressed their sorrow for this player who faced illness and challenges with steadfast spirit.
Once a Cancer Warrior: Spirit Lives on in Fans' Hearts
Although Wang Chao-min's baseball career was short, his successful battle with cancer, return to the field, and joining professional baseball inspired countless young players and fans. His story is not only a tale of sports struggle but also a true reflection of facing life's adversities. Even though he did not achieve great fame in professional baseball, his perseverance and courage left a profound mark on Taiwan's baseball history.
