Taipei, Dec. 21 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian paid a personal visit Friday to former Seibu star pitcher Kuo Tai-yuan, who recently underwent surgery to have tumorous tissue removed from his liver.
Chen was making good on a promise he made in November to visit Kuo at home to offer his greetings to the pitcher who has made extraordinary contributions to Taiwan baseball.
Kuo, a native of Taiwan who retired from Japan's Seibu Lions professional baseball team in 1997, was diagnosed at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital in September this year and traveled to Japan to have the liver surgery.
Kuo was said to be pleased by Chen's visit and told the president that he is convalescing well.
Chen for his part said he admires Kuo for his outstanding performance over the years. The two men also exchanged views on ways to reinvigorate Taiwan baseball and improve its strength in international competition.
Chen also offered his respects to Kuo for his refusal to adopt Japanese citizenship, despite playing in that country for so many years.
Kuo, who used to be nicknamed the "Orient Express" for his pitching speed, returned to Taiwan with his wife and children in 1997 after retiring from Seibu Lions. His wife, Chang Chun-tsu, is a model-turned-actress.
Kuo, 40, joined the Seibu Lions in 1985 after representing Taiwan in many regional and international baseball contests. He played a leading role in helping Taiwan win a bronze medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Kuo set many outstanding records during his heyday, including pitching a no-hitter, no-run perfect game in 1985. He has won many awards, including a Pacific League MVP award in 1991.