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FuzzyRussianHat · 06-04-2026, 06:15 AM

Shih-Hao Chuang – Starting Pitcher – Kaohsiung Steelheads – 70.6% First Ballot

Shih-Hao Chuang was a 6’8’’, 200 pound left-handed pitcher from Homei, Taiwan; a city with about 88,000 people in the Changhua county. The tall lefty was known for rock solid stuff along with above average control and decent movement. Chuang had a 98-100 mph fastball, but his changeup and forkball were his most feared pitches. He also had a slider and curveball in the arsenal.

Chuang’s stamina was average relative to most APB aces, but excellent durability meant he still put up plenty of innings over a 17-year career. His pickoff move and ability to hold runners was both top tier, although his overall defense was unremarkable. Chuang was very intelligent and highly adaptable, which helped his longevity even as the raw talent started to fade.

Few things catch the eye of scouts like a tall lefty and Chuang certainly stood out. Kaohsiung snagged him with a developmental deal in January 2015. After four years in the academy, Chuang had part-time use in 2019 and 2020 with decent results. He saw more action with 172 innings in 2021, but was limited back to 92.1 innings in 2022. Chuang finally secured a full-time rotation spot in 2023. After a mostly mediocre 2010s, the Steelheads were back above .500 in the 2020s but still just outside of the top spot in the Taiwan League.

Chuang’s big breakthrough was his Pitcher of the Year win in 2024, leading the TL with career bests for strikeouts (343), shutouts (6), and WAR (9.0). He also had his bests for innings (272.1), wins (19-8), and ERA (1.69). Chuang was one win and 11 points short of a Triple Crown season. Kaohsiung ended a 12-year playoff drought and won the Taiwan League at 96-66.

The Steelheads defeated Zamboanga 4-1 in the Taiwan-Philippine Association Championship. They were denied in the Austronesia Championship in a 4-3 classic with Bandung. Chuang had a strong playoff run despite a 2-2 record, posting a 0.82 ERA over 33 innings with 44 Ks and 1.3 WAR. He never had a season that dominant again and wasn’t a Pitcher of the Year finalist again. Chuang settled into a groove with more above average production for the rest of the run with Kaohsiung.

In May 2025, Chuang signed a four-year, $68,100,000 extension. The next four years saw competitive records for the Steelheads, but their only playoff berth was 2026 with a TPA finals loss to Cebu. Kaohsiung fell into the bottom run in 2029, Chuang’s last year with the team. With a rebuild expected and Chuang now 31, they let him leave for free agency.

For Kaohsiung, Chuang had a 123-94 record, 2.50 ERA, 2093 innings, 2466 strikeouts, 459 walks, 58 complete games, 19 shutouts, 112 ERA+, 88 FIP-, and 38.7 WAR. It was overall a very effective decade for Chuang and the Steelheads retired his #32 uniform once his career was done. He ended up signing next on a four-year, $30,400,000 deal with Chiayi. The City Hawks were an expansion team entering only their second season.

Chuang wasn’t exceptional, but he provided steady reliable innings as a new franchise struggled through its early years. After the 2032 season, Chiayi traded Chuang for two prospects to Quezon. The Zombies were the defending TPA champ and wanted some depth in the rotation.

Quezon went 92-70 in 2033 and lost in the association final to Tainan. Chuang provided his standard production with a 12-15 record, 2.62 ERA, 257.2 innings, 298 Ks, 127 ERA+, 90 FIP-, and 4.7 WAR. He did give up two runs over 3.2 playoff innings in two appearances. The Zombies didn’t extend him and Chuang was a free agent for 2034. He went back to Taiwan on a three-year, $21,900,000 deal with Taichung.

Chuang had a decent 2034, but posted below average stats in 2035 and fell out of the rotation, missing the vesting criteria for the third year of the deal. He had a 15-21 record, 3.17 ERA, 363 innings, 355 Ks, 101 ERA+, 100 FIP-, and 4.6 WAR with the Toucans.

For 2036, he signed a one-year deal for a second stint with Chiayi and posted a 3.69 ERA over 158.1 innings, 140 Ks, 91 ERA+, 97 FIP- and 2.1 WAR. Between stints and four seasons for the City Hawks, Chuang had a 41-53 record, 2.85 ERA, 909.1 innings, 976 strikeouts, 139 walks, 112 ERA+, 89 FIP-, and 16.4 WAR. He did breach the 4000 strikeout milestone in his final season to bolster his Hall of Fame candidacy. Chuang retired after the 2036 campaign at age 38.

Chuang finished with a 191-183 record, 2.66 ERA, 3623 innings, 4095 strikeouts, 680 walks, 332/456 quality starts, 114 complete games, 31 shutouts, 112 ERA+, 90 FIP-, and 64.4 WAR. He ranks 43^rd in wins, 23^rd in innings, 86^th in complete games, 74^th in shutouts, 25^th in strikeouts, but only 69^th in pitching WAR. Chuang had good longevity, but critics noted he was consistently above average as opposed to particularly exceptional.

Supporters noted that he did have one exceptional year to win POTY and played a big role in a pennant win with Kaohsiung. Chuang also had 4000 Ks and every eligible player in Austronesia Professional Baseball to hit that mark had made it in. His 70.6% only narrowly breached the 66% requirement, but Chuang earned the first ballot nod as part of a three pitcher group in 2042.

Sheng-Wai “Spuds” Tien – Starting Pitcher – Cebu Crows – 67.1% First Ballot

Sheng-Wai Tien was a 6’2’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Taoyuan, Taiwan’s fifth-largest city. He earned the nickname “Spuds” for his love of the humble potato (and who can blame him? They are delicious!). Tien had good-to-great stuff and control with above average movement. He had 97-99 mph velocity on his fastball, although his cutter was easily his strongest offering. Tien also had a good slider and okay changeup in the arsenal.

Tien’s stamina was good, but he dealt with multiple torn labrums that shortened his career. He was above average at holding runners and below average defensively. Tien wasn’t a malcontent, but some teammates felt he was selfish and lazy. He left Taiwan in May 2019 for the Philippines on a developmental deal with Cebu. Tien spent around six seasons in their academy, debuting with 91.2 solid innings in 2024.

In 2025, he earned a full-time rotation spot and helped spark a dynasty run for the Crows, who hadn’t won the Philippine League since 2012. Tien was third in 2025’s Pitcher of the Year voting as Cebu took the top seed at 105-57. The Crows rolled Hsinchu 4-1 to win the Taiwan-Philippine Association Championship, but lost a seven-game classic to Jakarta in the Austronesia Championship. In three playoff starts, Tien had a 2.66 ERA over 20.1 innings with 22 Ks and 0.5 WAR.

Tien won his lone Pitcher of the Year in 2026 with an association-best 8.9 WAR, 28 quality starts, 19 complete games, and 5 shutouts. The WAR would be his career-best and he added 1.98 ERA, 320 Ks, and a 15-12 record. Cebu won a weak PL at 85-77, but shocked Kaohsiung with a sweep in the TPA final. The Crows then cruised to a 4-1 win over Johor Bahru for the APB title. Their 8-1 playoff record was one of the more impressive in APB history and was especially surprising considering they won only 85 all season.

A huge part of that dominant run was Tien, who won his three starts with a 1.17 ERA over 23 innings, 37 Ks, and 1.7 WAR. He had less luck in the Baseball Grand Championship with a 4.05 ERA over 33.1 innings, 44 Ks, and 0.2 WAR. Cebu’s magic ran out on the big stage with a 7-12 record, but Tien had established himself as a top ace.

Tien had a surprisingly weaker 2027 and was moved into a split starter/relief role. Cebu finished 100-62 and beat Hsinchu for a third straight pennant. The Crows were denied the APB title repeat in another seven game war with Jakarta. Tien struggled in his two playoff starts to a 5.14 ERA over 14 innings.

In 2028, Tien found his mojo again with a career-best 1.80 ERA and 8.9 WAR, taking third in POTY voting. Cebu went 97-65 and four-peated as Taiwan-Philippine Association champs, besting Tainan 4-2. The Crows then claimed their second APB crown of the run with a 4-2 win over Johor Bahru. Tien had a solid run with a 1.69 ERA over 16 innings and 18 Ks. Unfortunately, his last start ended with his first torn labrum. That kept him out of the BGC, an 8-11 finish for Cebu.

Fortunately, Tien was back and healthy for the next three seasons. Although not a POTY finalist, he was good for 6-7 WAR each year and had his career highs for innings (286) and Ks (326) in 2030. Cebu’s playoff streak continued with the newly expanded postseason, but they had first round exits in 2029-30. In 2031, the Crows had their best record of the streak at 109-53 and beat Tainan for their fifth pennant in seven years.

Cebu was denied the Austronesia Championship in six games by Kuala Lumpur. Tien had a mixed playoff run with a 3.58 ERA over 32.2 innings, 39 Ks, and 0.4 WAR. He had a lackluster 4.83 ERA in 31.2 BGC innings, but had 34 Ks, 63 FIP-, and 1.1 WAR suggesting bad luck. The Crows finished 11-10 in the event. It was Tien’s last playoff trip for Cebu, finishing with a 6-5 record, 2.60 ERA, 121 innings, 151 Ks, 114 ERA+, 67 FIP-, and 3.9 WAR.

The playoff streak continued one more year with a first round exit and wild card in 2032. Unfortunately for Tien, he suffered his second labrum tear in July to end his season. The timing couldn’t be worse, as his contract was up with Cebu. The Crows were grateful for what he did, but were leery of giving a 30-year old a long-term deal coming off another big injury.

Overall for Cebu, Tien had a 134-75 record, 2.19 ERA, 2009.2 innings, 2297 strikeouts, 301 walks, 112 complete games, 20 shutouts, 132 ERA+, 72 FIP-, and 53.1 WAR. Tien was a critical part of the dynasty run and the Crows later retired his #25 uniform. Both Tien and Kaohsiung were optimistic that he’d bounce back from the injury with a four-year, $85,600,000 deal.

Tien stayed healthy in 2033-34, but posted merely above average production with fewer innings than his earlier days. Kaohsiung got a wild card in 2034, but lost in the first round. Tien missed much of 2035 to a torn triceps and it dented his stuff and control. Then in June 2036, he suffered his third labrum tear and was told by doctors to retire just after his 34^th birthday. For the Steelheads in four seasons, Tien had a 33-35 record, 2.86 ERA, 647.2 innings, 690 strikeouts, 135 walks, 112 ERA+, 99 FIP-, and 8.1 WAR.

In total, Tien had a 167-110 record, 2.36 ERA, 2657.1 innings, 2987 strikeouts, 436 walks, 240/317 quality starts, 129 complete games, 22 shutouts, 127 ERA+, 79 FIP-, and 61.3 WAR. Tien ranks 83^rd in wins, 62^nd in complete games, 96^th in strikeouts, and 80^th in WAR among pitchers. You could certainly argue he was the most efficient and dominant of the three pitchers inducted into Austronesia Professional Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 2042.

However, Tien definitely had the lowest inning count and while APB voters were pitcher-friendly, they often put a premium on accumulations. Those were lacking for Tien, but many were sympathetic considering injuries shortened his career. He also had a POTY award and a starring role in a dynasty run for Cebu. Tien barely breached the 66% threshold, but 67.1% earned him a first ballot induction to cap off a three-man 2042 class.

06-04-2026, 06:15 AM	#2887
FuzzyRussianHat Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2020 Posts: 3,682	2042 APB Hall of Fame (Part 2) Shih-Hao Chuang – Starting Pitcher – Kaohsiung Steelheads – 70.6% First Ballot Shih-Hao Chuang was a 6’8’’, 200 pound left-handed pitcher from Homei, Taiwan; a city with about 88,000 people in the Changhua county. The tall lefty was known for rock solid stuff along with above average control and decent movement. Chuang had a 98-100 mph fastball, but his changeup and forkball were his most feared pitches. He also had a slider and curveball in the arsenal. Chuang’s stamina was average relative to most APB aces, but excellent durability meant he still put up plenty of innings over a 17-year career. His pickoff move and ability to hold runners was both top tier, although his overall defense was unremarkable. Chuang was very intelligent and highly adaptable, which helped his longevity even as the raw talent started to fade. Few things catch the eye of scouts like a tall lefty and Chuang certainly stood out. Kaohsiung snagged him with a developmental deal in January 2015. After four years in the academy, Chuang had part-time use in 2019 and 2020 with decent results. He saw more action with 172 innings in 2021, but was limited back to 92.1 innings in 2022. Chuang finally secured a full-time rotation spot in 2023. After a mostly mediocre 2010s, the Steelheads were back above .500 in the 2020s but still just outside of the top spot in the Taiwan League. Chuang’s big breakthrough was his Pitcher of the Year win in 2024, leading the TL with career bests for strikeouts (343), shutouts (6), and WAR (9.0). He also had his bests for innings (272.1), wins (19-8), and ERA (1.69). Chuang was one win and 11 points short of a Triple Crown season. Kaohsiung ended a 12-year playoff drought and won the Taiwan League at 96-66. The Steelheads defeated Zamboanga 4-1 in the Taiwan-Philippine Association Championship. They were denied in the Austronesia Championship in a 4-3 classic with Bandung. Chuang had a strong playoff run despite a 2-2 record, posting a 0.82 ERA over 33 innings with 44 Ks and 1.3 WAR. He never had a season that dominant again and wasn’t a Pitcher of the Year finalist again. Chuang settled into a groove with more above average production for the rest of the run with Kaohsiung. In May 2025, Chuang signed a four-year, $68,100,000 extension. The next four years saw competitive records for the Steelheads, but their only playoff berth was 2026 with a TPA finals loss to Cebu. Kaohsiung fell into the bottom run in 2029, Chuang’s last year with the team. With a rebuild expected and Chuang now 31, they let him leave for free agency. For Kaohsiung, Chuang had a 123-94 record, 2.50 ERA, 2093 innings, 2466 strikeouts, 459 walks, 58 complete games, 19 shutouts, 112 ERA+, 88 FIP-, and 38.7 WAR. It was overall a very effective decade for Chuang and the Steelheads retired his #32 uniform once his career was done. He ended up signing next on a four-year, $30,400,000 deal with Chiayi. The City Hawks were an expansion team entering only their second season. Chuang wasn’t exceptional, but he provided steady reliable innings as a new franchise struggled through its early years. After the 2032 season, Chiayi traded Chuang for two prospects to Quezon. The Zombies were the defending TPA champ and wanted some depth in the rotation. Quezon went 92-70 in 2033 and lost in the association final to Tainan. Chuang provided his standard production with a 12-15 record, 2.62 ERA, 257.2 innings, 298 Ks, 127 ERA+, 90 FIP-, and 4.7 WAR. He did give up two runs over 3.2 playoff innings in two appearances. The Zombies didn’t extend him and Chuang was a free agent for 2034. He went back to Taiwan on a three-year, $21,900,000 deal with Taichung. Chuang had a decent 2034, but posted below average stats in 2035 and fell out of the rotation, missing the vesting criteria for the third year of the deal. He had a 15-21 record, 3.17 ERA, 363 innings, 355 Ks, 101 ERA+, 100 FIP-, and 4.6 WAR with the Toucans. For 2036, he signed a one-year deal for a second stint with Chiayi and posted a 3.69 ERA over 158.1 innings, 140 Ks, 91 ERA+, 97 FIP- and 2.1 WAR. Between stints and four seasons for the City Hawks, Chuang had a 41-53 record, 2.85 ERA, 909.1 innings, 976 strikeouts, 139 walks, 112 ERA+, 89 FIP-, and 16.4 WAR. He did breach the 4000 strikeout milestone in his final season to bolster his Hall of Fame candidacy. Chuang retired after the 2036 campaign at age 38. Chuang finished with a 191-183 record, 2.66 ERA, 3623 innings, 4095 strikeouts, 680 walks, 332/456 quality starts, 114 complete games, 31 shutouts, 112 ERA+, 90 FIP-, and 64.4 WAR. He ranks 43^rd in wins, 23^rd in innings, 86^th in complete games, 74^th in shutouts, 25^th in strikeouts, but only 69^th in pitching WAR. Chuang had good longevity, but critics noted he was consistently above average as opposed to particularly exceptional. Supporters noted that he did have one exceptional year to win POTY and played a big role in a pennant win with Kaohsiung. Chuang also had 4000 Ks and every eligible player in Austronesia Professional Baseball to hit that mark had made it in. His 70.6% only narrowly breached the 66% requirement, but Chuang earned the first ballot nod as part of a three pitcher group in 2042. Sheng-Wai “Spuds” Tien – Starting Pitcher – Cebu Crows – 67.1% First Ballot Sheng-Wai Tien was a 6’2’’, 200 pound right-handed pitcher from Taoyuan, Taiwan’s fifth-largest city. He earned the nickname “Spuds” for his love of the humble potato (and who can blame him? They are delicious!). Tien had good-to-great stuff and control with above average movement. He had 97-99 mph velocity on his fastball, although his cutter was easily his strongest offering. Tien also had a good slider and okay changeup in the arsenal. Tien’s stamina was good, but he dealt with multiple torn labrums that shortened his career. He was above average at holding runners and below average defensively. Tien wasn’t a malcontent, but some teammates felt he was selfish and lazy. He left Taiwan in May 2019 for the Philippines on a developmental deal with Cebu. Tien spent around six seasons in their academy, debuting with 91.2 solid innings in 2024. In 2025, he earned a full-time rotation spot and helped spark a dynasty run for the Crows, who hadn’t won the Philippine League since 2012. Tien was third in 2025’s Pitcher of the Year voting as Cebu took the top seed at 105-57. The Crows rolled Hsinchu 4-1 to win the Taiwan-Philippine Association Championship, but lost a seven-game classic to Jakarta in the Austronesia Championship. In three playoff starts, Tien had a 2.66 ERA over 20.1 innings with 22 Ks and 0.5 WAR. Tien won his lone Pitcher of the Year in 2026 with an association-best 8.9 WAR, 28 quality starts, 19 complete games, and 5 shutouts. The WAR would be his career-best and he added 1.98 ERA, 320 Ks, and a 15-12 record. Cebu won a weak PL at 85-77, but shocked Kaohsiung with a sweep in the TPA final. The Crows then cruised to a 4-1 win over Johor Bahru for the APB title. Their 8-1 playoff record was one of the more impressive in APB history and was especially surprising considering they won only 85 all season. A huge part of that dominant run was Tien, who won his three starts with a 1.17 ERA over 23 innings, 37 Ks, and 1.7 WAR. He had less luck in the Baseball Grand Championship with a 4.05 ERA over 33.1 innings, 44 Ks, and 0.2 WAR. Cebu’s magic ran out on the big stage with a 7-12 record, but Tien had established himself as a top ace. Tien had a surprisingly weaker 2027 and was moved into a split starter/relief role. Cebu finished 100-62 and beat Hsinchu for a third straight pennant. The Crows were denied the APB title repeat in another seven game war with Jakarta. Tien struggled in his two playoff starts to a 5.14 ERA over 14 innings. In 2028, Tien found his mojo again with a career-best 1.80 ERA and 8.9 WAR, taking third in POTY voting. Cebu went 97-65 and four-peated as Taiwan-Philippine Association champs, besting Tainan 4-2. The Crows then claimed their second APB crown of the run with a 4-2 win over Johor Bahru. Tien had a solid run with a 1.69 ERA over 16 innings and 18 Ks. Unfortunately, his last start ended with his first torn labrum. That kept him out of the BGC, an 8-11 finish for Cebu. Fortunately, Tien was back and healthy for the next three seasons. Although not a POTY finalist, he was good for 6-7 WAR each year and had his career highs for innings (286) and Ks (326) in 2030. Cebu’s playoff streak continued with the newly expanded postseason, but they had first round exits in 2029-30. In 2031, the Crows had their best record of the streak at 109-53 and beat Tainan for their fifth pennant in seven years. Cebu was denied the Austronesia Championship in six games by Kuala Lumpur. Tien had a mixed playoff run with a 3.58 ERA over 32.2 innings, 39 Ks, and 0.4 WAR. He had a lackluster 4.83 ERA in 31.2 BGC innings, but had 34 Ks, 63 FIP-, and 1.1 WAR suggesting bad luck. The Crows finished 11-10 in the event. It was Tien’s last playoff trip for Cebu, finishing with a 6-5 record, 2.60 ERA, 121 innings, 151 Ks, 114 ERA+, 67 FIP-, and 3.9 WAR. The playoff streak continued one more year with a first round exit and wild card in 2032. Unfortunately for Tien, he suffered his second labrum tear in July to end his season. The timing couldn’t be worse, as his contract was up with Cebu. The Crows were grateful for what he did, but were leery of giving a 30-year old a long-term deal coming off another big injury. Overall for Cebu, Tien had a 134-75 record, 2.19 ERA, 2009.2 innings, 2297 strikeouts, 301 walks, 112 complete games, 20 shutouts, 132 ERA+, 72 FIP-, and 53.1 WAR. Tien was a critical part of the dynasty run and the Crows later retired his #25 uniform. Both Tien and Kaohsiung were optimistic that he’d bounce back from the injury with a four-year, $85,600,000 deal. Tien stayed healthy in 2033-34, but posted merely above average production with fewer innings than his earlier days. Kaohsiung got a wild card in 2034, but lost in the first round. Tien missed much of 2035 to a torn triceps and it dented his stuff and control. Then in June 2036, he suffered his third labrum tear and was told by doctors to retire just after his 34^th birthday. For the Steelheads in four seasons, Tien had a 33-35 record, 2.86 ERA, 647.2 innings, 690 strikeouts, 135 walks, 112 ERA+, 99 FIP-, and 8.1 WAR. In total, Tien had a 167-110 record, 2.36 ERA, 2657.1 innings, 2987 strikeouts, 436 walks, 240/317 quality starts, 129 complete games, 22 shutouts, 127 ERA+, 79 FIP-, and 61.3 WAR. Tien ranks 83^rd in wins, 62^nd in complete games, 96^th in strikeouts, and 80^th in WAR among pitchers. You could certainly argue he was the most efficient and dominant of the three pitchers inducted into Austronesia Professional Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 2042. However, Tien definitely had the lowest inning count and while APB voters were pitcher-friendly, they often put a premium on accumulations. Those were lacking for Tien, but many were sympathetic considering injuries shortened his career. He also had a POTY award and a starring role in a dynasty run for Cebu. Tien barely breached the 66% threshold, but 67.1% earned him a first ballot induction to cap off a three-man 2042 class. __________________ Baseball: The World's Game fictional world reports The Level Playing Field: Alternate MLB History From 1884-Onward Continental Baseball Federation world reports (8-tier promotion/relegation sim and college feeder)