BASEBALL/WBC outfielder Stuart Fairchild to visit Taiwan in November

Taipei, Oct. 14 (CNA) Taiwanese-American outfielder Stuart Fairchild, who hit two home runs for Taiwan at this year's World Baseball Classic (WBC), will visit the country in November, his representatives announced Tuesday.

His agency, GSI Agency, said in an Instagram post that the trip would give Fairchild an opportunity to experience the enthusiasm of Taiwanese fans in person. It did not give dates or an itinerary, saying further details would follow.

"From game-changing moments on the diamond to the incredible energy from the stands, STU has always appreciated the unwavering love and support from fans across Taiwan," the agency wrote.

The 30-year-old, affectionately known to Taiwanese fans as "Feizai" (費仔), played for Taiwan at the WBC in March, qualifying through his Taiwanese mother.

He hit a grand slam against the Czech Republic and a go-ahead two-run homer against South Korea, helping Taiwan win both games at the Tokyo Dome.

Fairchild finished the tournament batting .250 with two home runs, six RBIs and three stolen bases, making him one of Taiwan's leading offensive contributors, though the team was eliminated in the group stage.

Fairchild is also scheduled to receive a Taiwan Employment Gold Card at a public ceremony in November, under plans announced by the National Development Council (NDC) in August.

NDC Deputy Minister Peng Li-pei (彭立沛) said at the time that Fairchild's application had been approved and that the council and Ministry of Sports were arranging the presentation.

The card combines an open work permit, resident visa, Alien Resident Certificate and re-entry permit, giving eligible foreign professionals more flexibility to work and live in Taiwan.

A Seattle native, Fairchild made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021. He has since played for the Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Guardians.

In six major league seasons, he has played 292 games, batting .221 with 18 home runs, 69 RBIs and 27 stolen bases, according to MLB's database.

This season, Fairchild appeared in 14 games for Cleveland and one for Seattle, finishing with three hits in 19 at-bats, a .158 batting average, one RBI and two stolen bases.