#KUinTAIWAN: Media Day
CHIAYI, Taiwan – The Mayor of Chiayi City, Taiwan, welcomed the eight countries represented at a Thursday morning media session (Taiwan time) to kick off the 2018 FISU World University Baseball Championships.
“I would like to welcome everyone to the 2018 FISU World University Baseball Championships,” Mayor Twu Shiing-jer said. “Chiayi City has a rich history of baseball dating back over 100 years and we are proud to host this year’s championship at the first baseball field in Taiwan, Chiayi City Field. Good luck to all the student-athletes and enjoy your time in Chiayi City.”
Kansas head coach Ritch Price and junior-to-be starting pitcher Ryan Zeferjahn represented USA Team at the media session. Zeferjahn answered a series of questions asked by local media and the host committee, Chinese Taipei University Sports Federation.
“We are a United States college baseball team that has played together over the past year,” Zeferjahn said in response to the success USA has had at the championships. “We have good team chemistry and are excited to put our talents up against some of the best in the world. We look to represent our country and the University of Kansas to the best of our abilities, and enjoy the international competition.”
The Jayhawks officially turned in their roster following the media session and are set to begin competition against Hong Kong at 8 p.m. (CT) on July 5. The second game of pool play takes place July 8 at 12 a.m. (CT) against Japan, with Russia to follow on July 9, also at 12 a.m. (CT).
The games will all be live streamed in some facet on a combination of sources, with more information to follow.
The United States holds more medals – three gold and two silver – in the event than any other participating country, including taking home the crown in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Japan is second on the list with four medals – two silver and two bronze – while Cuba is third with three medals – two gold and one bronze.
This trip marks the second foreign tour for the Jayhawks in less than a two-year span, as they trekked to the Dominican Republic in November of 2016.
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