A new king of speed was born in Taiwan today! High school pitcher Chen Yu-nong, only 17, fired a blazing 162 km/h fastball at the national winter league. That’s now the fastest pitch ever recorded in Taiwan baseball history.
Chen plays for Pingzhen High School and was facing powerful Kaohsiung-based Pu-men. In the top of the 5th inning, he cranked it up and the radar gun lit up: 162 km/h. The crowd went wild, teammates rushed the mound, and even the other team clapped. It beat the old record of 160 km/h set by pros years ago.
The young right-hander finished the game strong, throwing 7 innings with 11 strikeouts and just 2 hits allowed. Pingzhen won big. Chen says he’s been working hard on his mechanics and strength all year. “I didn’t think it would happen today, but I’m super happy,” he told reporters with a shy smile.
Scouts from Japan, Korea, and even MLB were in the stands taking notes. Many are already calling him the next big Taiwanese arm. Fans online are losing it: “162 at 17 years old?! Future ace for sure!”
From little league star to record-breaker in one pitch—Chen Yu-nong just put the whole baseball world on notice.