Four Members of Beijing Tigers including Manager Li Bing Participate in Fall Training Camp for the Yomiuri Giants (NPB)

Chinese　Japanese

【Beijing Tigers Aiming to be Champions of the CBL】

The Beijing Tigers, following their efforts in 2006, were unable to stop the surge of the Guangdong Leopards, and failed to advance to the championship series for the second straight season. Their achievement of being CBL champions for three consecutive seasons starting in 2003 is becoming more and more to be a glory from the past.

However, there is great enthusiasm in the Tigers’ front office in hoping for a resurgent next season. While making use of their ties with the Yomiuri Giants (NPB), manager Li Bing and other members of the Beijing Tigers participated in the fall training camp for the Yomiuri Giants for three weeks from November 1st to the 20th. Coach Ren Qiu Ge (also the official scorer), pitcher Wu Meng, and pitcher Li Longda all spent time under the same roof with the young players who would one day carry Japanese baseball on their shoulders at the Giants’ training camp. During their stay, they woke up early every morning for practice, and were given practical advice about variety of things including baseball fundamentals, coaching, and conditioning from the coaches for the Yomiuri Giants minor league team.

On November 16, I had the privilege of interviewing manager Li Beng at Yomiuri Giants stadium in the midst of the autumn season.

－In retrospect, how was the CBL season for you this year?
“We had ay too many injuries and that really killed us. Also, several of our players joined the national team, so there were stretches when we didn’t have our full regular lineup. But that actually allowed opportunities for our young players, and some of them really improved during that stretch. That was definitely one positive thing that came out of the season.”

－You were eliminated from the playoffs by the Guangdong Leopards for the second straight season. What are your thoughts on that?
“I think it is proof that that the level of play of the CBL as a whole is getting better. However, I am very disappointed that we weren’t able to advance to the championship series. Concerning the division system that started last year, to be honest, I am quite dissatisfied with the division layout. In looking at the league as a whole, the best teams are concentrated in the Southwest Northwest division. I don’t think this is very good.

－What are your impressions of the Yomiuri Giants fall training camp?
“Well, they’ve provided us with wonderful facilities for playing baseball. Unfortunately, we do not have access to such facilities in China at the present moment. Also, the biggest thing that has come out of this whole experience for me is that my understanding of the concept of training has changed 180 degrees. Up until now, “practice” to me only meant physical and muscular training. But since I’ve gotten here, I’ve been learning about the notion of “preventive training to avoid injuries.” The coaches here have been teaching me about the theory and its practical use. I am hoping that this exchange will not end with my current stay but that trainers from the Giants will be able to go over to Beijing so that many of our coaches and players will change their approaches towards training.

－ Looking to 2008, what do you see as the areas that need that most improvement for the Beijing Tigers?
“First of all, we need to solidify our defense. We also need to improve our offense. But most of all, some of our key players have gone over to the major leagues, so we need to work on filling in those vacant holes first. I don’ think we can depend on pitching to become league champions next year.

－Are there any players in particular who you feel will perform well next year?
“In place of Wang Wei (who went to the Seattle Mariners minor league team) we have two catchers- Li Tao and Yang Yang. They're both good players, but Yang Yang is especially a good hitter, so I’m considering converting him into an outfielder. Also, Gou Tao the third baseman is an any player.”

－With the Beijing Olympics next year, baseball will likely attract a lot of attention in China. What are your thoughts on this?
“The Olympic Test Event (Good Luck Beijing 2007), which was held in Beijing in August, brought on a huge level of excitement. I wanted to take my players to see the event, but I was only able to get 8 tickets. (Laughter) If the games are played in a similar place (Wukesong Baseball Stadium) where there is good public transportation, there will be a lot of excitement, even if it is Chinese baseball. I hope that the CBL can open the games in a stadium that is easily accessible to fans. I think that this is something that we all need to consider.”

The 2007 season was a tough season for manager Lee Bing, with injuries throughout the season. But because he went through such a tough season, he was able to understand the importance of “establishing training program to prevent injuries.” Although at first glance, it looks like a steady path without any drastic changes, manager Lee Bing’s idea of trying to rejuvenate the team by making sure that all of the players are in the best physical condition may be the key to a turnaround for the Beijing Tigers, who have individual players with a great deal of potential. In December, the team is planning to pay a visit to Australia, and after three years, a comeback “rocket” in a quest to recapture the crown has been set off.

【Interview Cooperation: The Yomiuri Giants】

【Wu Meng practicing fielding with Giants players】	【Li Longda receives pitching advice】