<Issue 5 ～ Li Lin, Sichuan Dragons>

Chinese Japanese

Li Lin is 26 years old. The fans in Sichuan know him well as the new star that posted nearly perfect numbers in the first half of this season's CBL, which included a .436 batting average and 24 hits (both led the league), not to mention no errors on defense. However, people know very little about the details of his profile. We took a step away from Chengdu, where traces of the disastrous earthquake still remain, and paid a visit to Sichuan Panzhihua, the camp training grounds of the Sichuan Dragons, to chat with Li Lin.

-Hello. Could you introduce yourself to your fans and the Sichuan Dragons fans?

Li Lin: Hello. My name is Li Lin of the Sichuan Dragons. I am very honored to have the opportunity to be part of this interview. I would like to ask for your continued support for both myself and the Sichuan Dragons.

- Could you tell us a little bit about your background?

Li Lin: I began to like baseball as a child after reading the comic book “Touch” and watching baseball games on TV. When I was in fourth grade, the Jin Niu district baseball team was recruiting kids from all across Chengdu city that liked baseball and had some talent. I liked baseball so I applied for it right away. So, that’s how I got started. When I was in high school, I participated in a joint training camp with the Sichuan Dragons. That was when I was selected to join the Dragons. I've been playing for the Sichuan Dragons ever since.

- What is something that happened during your baseball career that had the biggest impact on you?

Li Lin: Let me see. Probably the time I thought about quitting. But Coach Xu Dayong convinced me to keep playing and my family supported me as well. After that, I was able to have the will to play hard again. If Coach Xu Dayong and my family hadn’t been there for me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am very grateful for what they did.

- Why did you think about quitting?

Li Lin: When I was 18, I didn’t think practice was any fun anymore. It stopped being fun and exciting for me. I wanted to quit baseball and either go back to school or work and earn some money. But, Coach Xu Dayong came to my place and talked to me about what a fun sport baseball is. My passion for the game of baseball came back again. Ever since then, my motto in life became, “Whether it's baseball or anything else, if you continue to work hard, you will be able to achieve your goals.” This has become a very important motto for me in my life.

- In the first half of the 2008 China Baseball League season, not only did you lead the league in batting average but you also did not commit a single error. How do you measure your success?

Li Lin: All of that was made possible thanks to the support of my coaches and teammates. I can't thank them enough. I also think that I was able to mature a bit.

- What is it that the Sichuan Dragons lack?

Li Lin: I would say that the team's biggest concern is the fact there is a lack of depth with our young players. If you compare us to a strong team like Tianjin or Beijing, that’s probably our biggest weakness. But if our young players can improve, I believe that we can be one of the better teams in the league.

- What is the difference between the level of the Sichuan Dragons and the other teams in the league?

Li Lin: I don’t feel that there is too much of a difference. Ever since the Sichuan Earthquake struck on May 12th, I have felt the pride of the people of Chengdu, Sichuan more than ever before. I can go anywhere and be proud to say that I am from Chengdu, Sichuan. We are all trying to overcome very difficult time without giving up. If we all do our own part, we can open the door to the future. In that sense, I don’t believe that there is a difference in the team level.

- Many people are interested to know how you were able to improve so quickly. Could you share with us your secret to your success?

Li Lin: (laughter) Everyone knows my secret. It's hard work, hard work and hard work. I haven’t taken any shortcuts. Even if you aren't naturally gifted, hard work can take you a long way. What is important is to have faith that if you work hard, you can succeed. Of course, you will need the support of your coaches and teammates.