The Rakuten Monkeys are a professional baseball team based in Taiwan and part of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). Founded in 1990, the team has gone through several name changes, having originally been called the First Financial Holdings Agan, before being renamed the La New Bears and then the Lamigo Monkeys.
Owned and administered by the Kaohsiung-based shoe-producing company, Rakuten Monkeys have become one of the most successful teams in the CPBL, having won several championships in the last decade. With an ever-expanding fan base, the Rakuten Monkeys continue to bring exciting and entertaining baseball to their fans and the world.
1. Jen-Ho Tseng
Chicago Cubs
Tseng was born in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, and played baseball for the national team at age 16. He signed with the Cubs as a free agent in 2017 and made his MLB debut that September.
Tseng has notched one win in only one start thus far in 2018, against the Phillies on May 12th. Tseng's fastball averages 97 mph but can reach up to 100 mph when he needs to; he also throws a slider and changeup.
The Monkeys selected him with the 37th pick of their CPBL draft in 2021 after seeing him pitch for Taiwan at the World Baseball Classic qualifier earlier that year.. Jen-Ho Tseng is a Taiwanese starting pitcher who has spent his entire professional career in Japan.
He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2017 but never played for them as he signed with the Rakuten Monkeys instead.
Jen-Ho Tseng has a 9 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched over two seasons with the Rakuten Monkeys, earning him regular rotation spots. As of 2021, Jen-Ho Tseng will be playing for the RK team in Japan's Professional Baseball League (PBL).
Also Played For: chinese baseball league
2. Ngayaw Ake
Wei Chuan Dragons
Career
- Batting average: .311
- Home runs: 299
- Runs batted in: 1,195
- CPBL Best Ten Award (2006–2009, 2015), CPBL Gold Glove (2007), 4× Taiwan Series champion (2006, 2012, 2014, 2015), Taiwan Series Most Valuable Player (2012, 2015), CPBL MVP of the Year (2015)
Ngayaw Ake is a Taiwanese infielder who has played in the Chinese Professional Baseball League for several clubs since 2004. He had a breakout year with the La New Bears in 2015, batting .311 with 299 home runs and 1,195 RBIs during his time there.
In 2016 he moved to the Wei Chuan Dragons and continued to produce at an elite level, finishing fourth on the team in batting average (.340) while also hitting 36 home runs and driving in 119 Runs batted in.
At age 41 Ngayaw Ake still has plenty of baseball left inside him, looking to help his teams compete for championships throughout his career.
Ake was born on December 15, 1988 in the suburbs of Taipei. Ake began playing baseball at an early age and quickly developed into one of Taiwan's top players.
He started his professional career with Chinatrust Brothers in 2006 and led them to 4 championships during his tenure there before joining Wei Chuan Dragons after the 2014 season. Ake is a two-time CPBL MVP (2015, 2016) as well as a four-time Taiwan Series champion (2006, 2012, 2014, 2015).
His best performance came in 2012 when he won both MVP and Golden Glove awards while leading Wei Chuan Dragons to their first ever Taiwanese Series championship victory over Uni-President Lions.
3. Henry Sosa
Henry Sosa was born in the Dominican Republic and made his MLB debut for the Houston Astros in 2011. In 2012, he pitched for the Kia Tigers in Korea's KBO league.
He had a 3-5 record with Houston before being released at the end of that season. Since then, Henry has played for several different teams in minor leagues but is yet to pitch an MLB game again.
Henry Sosa is a pitcher for the Astros. He has played in MLB since 2011 and has had a mixed bag of results, with an ERA of 5.23 and 38 strikeouts in 78 innings pitched.
However, he also has a WHIP of 1.444 and 267 strikeouts in 291 innings across the CPBL and KBO over the same period.
Henry Sosa was born on March 12th, 1988 in San Juan Bautista, Puerto Rico (although he currently lives in Houston).
After playing college baseball at Cal State Fullerton where he won two Golden Spikes Awards as America’s top amateur player both seasons (2008-2009), Henry signed with the Houston Astros as a free agent before the 2011 season began.
In his first full season with Houston, 2010, Henry posted an impressive 2.74 ERA despite only pitching 49 innings due to injury – proving that his talent goes beyond just pitch count totals.
His breakout year came in 2012 when he led all American League pitchers with 138 strikeouts while posting an excellent 3.19 ERA - earning him back-to-back Golden Spikes Awards as America’s top amateur player again.
Unfortunately for Henry fans everywhere however; 2013 was not so kind to him statistically speaking: finishing 7th among AL starters with an 8/14 record and 4 ER/9 allowed – although it must be noted that this included one DL stint due to injury too.
Despite these poor results though, Henry continued to show flashes of brilliance throughout – such as striking out 11 batters on July 9th against Oakland Athletics which set new Astro franchise records for single game strikeouts by any starting pitcher.
nd then going 10 consecutive starts without allowing more than three earned runs from ugust 22nd onwards en route to setting another franchise record overall.
Henry rebound somewhat after struggling through much of 2013 & 2014; finishing 6th among AL starters wtih 72 Strikeouts & 3rd best WHIP at 1·24 during what turned out t0 b e hIs most successful professional campaign yet.
His dominant performances downthe stretch including 14strikeout performance agaisnt Toronto Blue Jays September 19th (his 200 strikeout milestone) & 13K Performance agaisnt Chicago White Sox April 30st which clinched playoff berths fo rHOUSTON ASTROS.
Also Played For: fubon guardians
4. Ryan Bollinger
Bollinger is a left-handed pitcher in the Yankees organization and was drafted by the team in the 4th round of the 2010 MLB Draft. He has played in parts of five seasons with the Yankees, appearing in a total of 96 games.
In 2018, he pitched for the Rakuten Monkeys in the Japanese Pacific League, posting a record of 4-1 with a 2.53 ERA. Bollinger has previously played in the American and Mexican Leagues.
He is married and has two children. Ryan Bollinger was a pitcher for the University of Southern California and the Boston Red Sox.
Ryan Bollinger signed with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japan in 2018. Bollinger made his CPBL debut with the Fubon Guardians in 2019. Bollinger has a win-loss record of 7-7 and an earned run average of 3.80.
Bollinger has struck out 155 batters in 280.2 innings pitched in the CPBL. Bollinger is scheduled to return to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in 2021.
Bollinger is a pitcher who relies on his fastball and slider. Bollinger is a member of the United States national baseball team. Bollinger is a pitcher who has high hopes for the future in the CPBL.
5. Dylan Covey
Covey is a 31-year-old pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. He made his MLB debut in 2017 and has since pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Covey spent time in the CPBL with the Rakuten Monkeys in 2021.
Covey has a good arm and throws from the right side. Covey is looking to continue his MLB career and has shown potential. He is a good teammate and has a lot of character. Covey is set to return to the MLB in the near future.
He is a good pitcher and has a lot of potential. Covey is a good pitcher and has a lot of potential. Covey has been a dominant pitcher in the CPBL, posting a record of 1–4 with a 5.87 ERA. Covey is known for his pinpoint control and ability to strike out hitters.
Covey is an exciting pitcher to watch, as he often makes highlight reel throws. Covey is likely to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming MLB draft. Covey will likely move up the MLB ladder in the coming years. Covey is a high-character player who is committed to his craft.
Covey is a future All-Star. Covey is a rising young star in the MLB. Covey is a potential future Cy Young Award winner.
6. Wang Yi-Cheng
Pitcher
Career
- 5x Taiwan Series champion (2014-2015, 2017-2019)
Wang Yi-Cheng is a Taiwanese pitcher who is currently a member of the Rakuten Monkeys. Wang has spent the bulk of his career in Japan, where he has played for the Hanshin Tigers, the Yokohama BayStars, and the Rakuten Golden Eagles.
In 2016, Wang made his MLB debut with the New York Mets. He was released after just two appearances. Wang has also played for the Taiwan national team, and he has won numerous awards, including the Golden Glove Award and the Best Nine Award.
Wang is married and has two children. Wang Yi-Cheng is a Taiwanese professional baseball player who has played for the Yokohama BayStars and the Lamigo Monkeys. Wang Yi-Cheng has won 5 Taiwan Series championships with Yokohama BayStars (2014-2015, 2017-2019) and the Rakuten Monkeys.
Wang Yi-Cheng has also been awarded with the 2015 Gold Glove Award and the 2017 Gold Glove Award. Wang Yi-Cheng is currently playing for the Rakuten Monkeys.
7. Kuo Yen-wen
Infielder
Career
- 6x Taiwan Series champion (2012, 2014-2015, 2017-2019)
Kuo Yen-wen is a talented infielder for the Rakuten Monkeys. He was born in Taiwan in 1988 and played for the Lamigo Monkeys in Japan before joining the Rakuten Monkeys in 2011.
He has a good eye at the plate and has been able to hit for a high average throughout his career. Kuo is also a good fielder and has been able to make some spectacular catches in his career.
He is a valuable part of the Rakuten Monkeys and is expected to continue playing at a high level for some time to come. Kuo is married and has two children. Kuo is a popular player with the fans and is always happy to sign autographs.
Kuo Yen-wen is a Taiwanese baseball player who has represented his country at the international level. He has won six Taiwan Series championships and competed in the Asian Games. Kuo Yen-wen has also been successful at the international level, having won a bronze medal at the Asian Games in 2014.
He has also represented Chinese Taipei on several occasions, including at the 2010 Guangzhou Baseball Tournament and the 2014 Incheon Baseball Tournament.
Kuo Yen-wen is a powerful hitter and has a good batting eye. He has also been praised for his defensive skills, which have helped him to rack up a number of awards and accolades.
Kuo Yen-wen is expected to continue his success in the future and is likely to represent Chinese Taipei at more international tournaments in the future. He is a highly talented player who is sure to make a significant impact on the game of baseball.
8. Lin Hung-yu
Career
- 6x Taiwan Series champion (2012, 2014-2015, 2017-2019), CPBL MVP of the Year (2011)
Lin Hung-yu is a catcher who has played for the Rakuten Monkeys since the start of the CPBL season. He has a batting average of .236 and has hit six home runs in 347 at bats.
Lin is also a strong thrower, recording a 68% success rate for runners caught stealing. Lin is a veteran of the Taiwanese national team and has played in the 2004 and 2008 Asian Games.
He is a member of the Taiwanese Baseball Association. Lin is married and has a two-year-old son. Lin Hung-yu is a Taiwanese professional baseball player who currently plays for the La New Bears in the CPBL.
Lin has been a fixture in the CPBL for over a decade, amassing a record of over 1000 hits and 200 home runs in the league. He has also been a two time CPBL MVP, as well as a six time Taiwan Series champion. Lin is considered one of the best hitters in the CPBL, and is a favorite of both fans and media.
He is often compared to fellow Taiwanese professional baseball player Chien-Ming Wang, and is considered one of the most promising young players in Asia.
Lin is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, playing in the 2008 and 2012 games. Lin is currently a member of the Lamigo Monkeys/Rakuten Monkeys team, and is considered one of the most valuable players on the team.
9. Chen Kuan-yu
Chen Kuan-yu is a left-handed pitcher who has played for the Yokohama BayStars in the Japanese baseball league and for the Rakuten Monkeys in the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
Chen was born in New Taipei City, Taiwan in 1990. Chen was drafted by the Yokohama BayStars in the Japanese baseball league in 2014. Chen made his professional debut with the BayStars on July 16, 2014.
Chen pitched for the Rakuten Monkeys in the CPBL in 2021. Chen has a record of 10-8 with a 3.14 ERA in 25 appearances (22 starts) in the Japanese baseball league and 9-3 with a 2.92 ERA in 17 appearances (14 starts) in the CPBL.
Chen has been described as a "very strike-throwing left-hander." Chen is a member of the Taiwan national team. Chen is married and has two children. Chen Kuan-yu is a Taiwanese pitcher who has played for the Yokohama BayStars and Chiba Lotte Marines in the Japanese Professional Baseball League.
Chen has had a successful career in Japan, winning 11 games and losing 11 over the course of three seasons. Chen has a 3.58 ERA and 216 strikeouts in 216 innings pitched in the CPBL. Chen is expected to join the Rakuten Monkeys in 2021.
10. Bradin Hagens
Hagens was born in Modesto, California on May 12, 1989. Hagens made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 14, 2014. Hagens has pitched in Japan for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 2016 and 2021.
Hagens has a career record of 5-8 with a 3.51 ERA in MLB. Hagens has also pitched in the CPBL for the Rakuten Monkeys. Hagens has a fastball that averages around 95 MPH, and a slider that is his most effective pitch.
Hagens is a workhorse pitcher, pitching in over 150 innings each season. Hagens is a free agent after the 2018 season. Hagens is a candidate for the American League Cy Young Award in 2018. Hagens is a left-handed pitcher who has spent most of his career in Japan.
Hagens has had a successful career in Japan, posting a record of 7-5 with a 3.48 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 106 innings. Hagens is expected to join the Rakuten Monkeys for the 2021 season.
Hagens is a left-handed pitcher who has spent most of his career in Japan. Hagens is expected to join the Rakuten Monkeys for the 2021 season.
Hagens has had a successful career in Japan, posting a record of 7-5 with a 3.48 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 106 innings.
Hagens is expected to join the Rakuten Monkeys for the 2021 season. Hagens is a left-handed pitcher who has spent most of his career in Japan. Hagens is expected to join the Rakuten Monkeys for the 2021 season.
11. Dillon Overton
Dillon Overton played for the Oakland Athletics in the MLB from 2016-2018. He spent most of 2018 with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds. Overton made his CPBL debut with the Rakuten Monkeys in March 2021.
He has a 3.86 ERA in 47.1 innings pitched in the CPBL. Overton has a career MLB record of 4-9 with a 5.24 ERA. Overton was drafted by the Athletics in the 5th round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Overton has a wife and a daughter.
Dillon Overton was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 4th round of the 2016 MLB draft.
Overton made his MLB debut with the Athletics in 2017. Overton spent the majority of 2017 with the Oakland Athletics' Triple-A affiliate, the Nashville Sounds.
Overton was traded to the San Diego Padres in July 2017. Overton made his debut with the Padres in September 2017. Overton has played in 4 games with the Padres so far this season. Overton is currently batting .143 with 2 strikeouts in 9 at-bats this season.
Overton is scheduled to join the Rakuten Monkeys in 2021. Overton is a left-handed hitter.
Final Words
The Rakuten Monkeys are a professional baseball team based in Taiwan and part of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. The Monkeys have won three CPBL championships, in 2006, 2007, and 2016.
Their best players of all time include slugger Wei-Yin Chen, starting pitcher Chen Wei-Ting, and catcher Hsien-Chieh Huang.
