Why Wei Chuan Dragons Have Such a High Stolen Base Success Rate

Wei Chuan Dragons manager Yeh Chun-chang has addressed the team’s high stolen base success rate, providing insight into the strategic approach the club is employing within the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL).

The discussion comes as the Dragons continue to integrate aggressive baserunning into their offensive strategy. According to reporting from Liberty Sports, manager Yeh Chun-chang has highlighted the specific reasons behind the efficiency of the team’s baserunning efforts.

Strategic Focus on Baserunning

The Dragons’ emphasis on high-percentage steals is part of a broader tactical framework under Yeh Chun-chang. The manager’s explanations focus on the methodology used to ensure that runners are taking calculated risks rather than reckless ones, leading to a higher success rate on the basepaths.

This aggressive approach is designed to put pressure on opposing pitchers and catchers, creating more scoring opportunities for the lineup. The ability to consistently advance runners via stolen bases serves as a critical component of the team’s offensive production.

Team Context and Recent History

The Wei Chuan Dragons are a member of the CPBL with a history spanning two distinct eras. Originally founded in 1989, the team was a powerhouse in the 1990s, winning Taiwan Series championships in 1990, 1997, 1998, and 1999.

After withdrawing from the league at the end of the 1999 season, the franchise remained inactive for two decades. The team was revived in 2019 under the ownership of the Ting Hsin Group, playing a minor league season in 2020 before officially rejoining the CPBL in 2021.

The Dragons have successfully returned to the top of the league, capturing their fifth Taiwan Series championship in 2023. This victory marked the team’s first title in 24 years, achieved by defeating the Rakuten Monkeys 6-3 in Game 7 of the series.

Roster and Development

Under the leadership of Yeh Chun-chang, the Dragons have prioritized player development and the integration of international talent to build a diverse and competitive roster.

The team’s historical success is anchored by notable figures such as Ngayaw Ake, who retired in September 2025. Ake left a significant mark on the league, amassing a record 305 home runs and tying the CPBL record with six championships across his professional career.

The current focus on baserunning efficiency reflects the team’s ongoing evolution as they seek to maintain their status as a dominant force in Taiwanese professional baseball. By combining the power of their lineup with high-percentage baserunning, the Dragons aim to sustain the momentum established by their 2023 championship run.