【記者郭晉嘉 Rickey Lo /新北聯合報導】
在2023年新北國際城市U18棒球邀請賽中，來自澳洲的昆士蘭隊首戰台中市代表隊，結果以1比9不敵對手告終。儘管遭遇失敗，但這些活潑的小選手們並未因此氣餒，他們以開放的心態來到台灣，充分享受在來台城市的體驗之旅。最近，他們更是前往新北市的平溪放天燈，並在天燈上寫下了心願。
抵達台灣後，昆士蘭隊的球員們遊覽了淡水、猴硐、十分等地，品嚐了當地的特色美食。他們還參與了手作鳳梨酥製作和放天燈的體驗，不僅如此，他們還去了新北耶誕城，感受這裡濃厚的節日氛圍。
在與台中市隊的首場比賽中，昆士蘭隊在上半場以1比4落後。然而，下半場情況變得更加困難，他們陸續被對手擊出安打，也犯下投出觸身球和保送的錯誤，導致失分。最終，他們以一場失敗作為來台的開場遭遇。
In the 2023 New Taipei City International U18 Baseball Invitational Tournament, the team from Queensland, Australia, faced off against the representative team from Taichung City in their opening match, ending in a 1-9 defeat. Despite the setback, these spirited young players did not let it discourage them; they came to Taiwan with an open mindset, fully embracing their experience in the host city. Recently, they even visited Pingxi in New Taipei City, where they participated in the tradition of releasing sky lanterns, each carrying their heartfelt wishes.
Upon arriving in Taiwan, the Queensland team explored places like Tamshui, Houtong, and Shifen, savoring the local delicacies. They engaged in hands-on experiences, making pineapple cakes and releasing sky lanterns. Additionally, they visited the New Taipei Christmas City, immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere.
In their first game against the Taichung City team, Queensland found themselves trailing 1-4 in the first half. However, the situation became more challenging in the second half as they faced hits from the opponents and made errors such as hitting batters and issuing walks, leading to additional runs for the opposing team. In the end, they experienced a defeat in their opening game in Taiwan.
賽後，台灣的熱情球迷為這些來自南半球的小選手們提供了台灣特色小吃珍珠奶茶。一試嚐，他們驚艷地發現粉圓珍珠鮮嫩彈牙，搭配著濃郁的奶茶和適度的甜度，彷彿在味蕾上展開了一場無比的驚喜之旅。這次執著清新又充滿風味的珍珠奶茶品嚐經驗，成為他們來台灣交流比賽時最佳的人文代表之一。
這些澳洲昆士蘭小將，儘管在球場上遇到挑戰，卻能以熱情和活力融入台灣的文化。他們對於這個島嶼富有人情味的風情和豐富的庶民小吃充滿了讚美之詞。這次比賽和旅行不僅是一次競技的交流，更是一次跨越文化的互動，讓這些來自外國的小選手們在台灣留下了難忘的回憶。
在未來的棒球賽事中，我們期待能繼續見證這群昆士蘭小將的成長和進步。他們將以他們鮮活的個性和積極的態度來征服更多的比賽場地，同時也將繼續享受在台灣這座美麗城市的探索之旅。
After the match, Taiwanese passionate fans treated these young players from the Southern Hemisphere to a taste of Taiwan's signature snack, pearl milk tea. Upon trying it, they were pleasantly surprised by the chewy texture of the tapioca pearls, complemented by the rich tea flavor and sweetness, making it a delightful journey for their taste buds. This unique experience with fresh and flavorful pearl milk tea became one of the cultural highlights for them during their exchange and competition in Taiwan.
Despite facing challenges on the field, the Queensland youngsters infused passion and vitality into embracing Taiwanese culture. They praised the island's warm hospitality, rich cultural atmosphere, and diverse street food. This competition and journey were not just about athletic exchanges but also about crossing cultural boundaries, leaving these foreign players with unforgettable memories in Taiwan.
In future baseball events, we look forward to witnessing the growth and progress of these Queensland young talents. They will continue to conquer more playing fields with their lively personalities and positive attitudes while enjoying the exploration of this beautiful city in Taiwan.
