This Day In Dodgers History: Chin-Feng Chen Becomes First Taiwan-Born Player In Major Leagues

This day in Los Angeles Dodgers history saw Chin-Feng Chen become the first Taiwan-born player to play in the Major Leagues when he made his MLB debut against the Colorado Rockies on Sept. 14, 2002.

Chen pinch-hit for Paul Lo Duca in the sixth inning, drew a walk and scored in the Dodgers’ 16-3 win at Coors Field. Chen again appeared off the bench two weeks later and made his first and only start of the 2002 season on Sept. 29.

He went a combined 0-for-5 with one run scored, one walk and three strikeouts in the three games with the Dodgers. Chen briefly spent time up with the Dodgers in the 2003 (one game), 2004 (eight) and 2005 (seven) seasons as well.

In 2005, Chen became the first Taiwanese position player in MLB history to get a hit when he recorded a two-run single against the Rockies. Chin-hui Tsao had earlier become the first Taiwanese player to get a hit in the Majors as a pitcher, accomplishing the feat for the Rockies on August 18, 2003.

The 2005 season marked Chen’s final time in the Majors, and he finished playing professionally in the Chinese Baseball Professional League (CPBL) from 2006-2016.

After Chen, the Dodgers had fellow Taiwan-born players Hong-Chih Kuo (2005-2011), Chin-Lung Hu (2007-2010) and Chin-Hui Tsao (2007, 2015-2016) appear in games for the organization as well. Kuo, an All-Star in 2010, enjoyed the most success of the group.

The Dodgers signed Chen as an international free agent on January 4, 1999, to a reported seven-year contract worth $600,000. Baseball America rated Chen as the Dodgers’ No. 2 prospect upon being added to the organization.

Dodgers history of international signings

Among the Dodgers’ best international signings of all-time are Roberto Clemente, Pedro Martínez, Fernando Valenzuela, Kenley Jansen (franchise leader in saves), Adrián Beltré, Hideo Nomo, Ramón Martínez, Chan Ho Park, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Carlos Santana, Yasiel Puig and Raul Mondesi.

Of course, Clemente never played for the Dodgers as he was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Rule 5 Draft.