Tsao is first person from Taiwan to pitch in a major league game

DENVER (AP) -- Chin-hui Tsao of the Colorado Rockies could become the biggest thing for Taiwanese baseball since its teams won 17 Little League championships from 1969-96.
The 22-year-old right-hander became the first person from Taiwan to pitch in the major leagues Friday night, getting the win in the Rockies' 7-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. The game was broadcast live in Taiwan, Rockies spokesman Billy Witter said, and nearly 20 Taiwanese reporters had media credentials.
Tsao allowed three runs and eight hits before being replaced with one out in the seventh inning. He received a standing ovation from the home crowd.
Coors Field in Denver is the same ballpark where Dodgers outfielder Chin-Feng Chen became the first major league player from Taiwan last September.
During the game, several fans waved mini Taiwanese flags.
Tsao (whose full name is pronounced chin way sow) was called up from Double-A Tulsa on Tuesday after Denny Neagle was placed on the 15-day disabled list with an elbow injury.
Tsao signed a contract with the Rockies in 1999 that paid a $2.2 million bonus.
He underwent "Tommy John" elbow surgery two years later, but went 11-4 with a 2.46 ERA and a Texas League-high 125 strikeouts this season.
"For Taiwanese kids, I think it might spark some interest to find out more about Taiwan if they've forgotten about it," said Paul Lin, who was born there.
Tutor
Lin's wife tutored Tsao in English when he first arrived in Denver.
Chinese-born Guo Ping Li has been to only one other baseball game, but that could soon change.
"Holy smokes! That means I'm going to every game," Li said. "I am a very big basketball and football fan, not a very big baseball fan. Now I guess I have to."