Baseball in Fort Wayne

Posts Tagged ‘China’

So far, in my estimation, the story of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) is former Wizards infielder, Ray Chang. Earlier this spring, he emerged almost as a novelty by being one of three players on China’s WBC team who has an affiliation with a Major League Baseball organization. But, the fact that he was raised in Kansas City and speaks perfect English made him even more appealing.

Chang quitely moved up the organizational ladder with the Padres after being signed as an undrafted free agent. before being released last year. He now plays in the Pirates organization.

Last night, Chang proved to be more than a novelty act by homering and driving in two runs to help China beat Taiwan 4-1 for its first win in the World Baseball Classic. Chang also “made his team’s final out with a slick play at shortstop (Yahoo)”

“I’m just real pleased that I could help my team,” he said.

Collins said Chang “played great for us.”

“He has made good plays defensively and got some big hits. This is a great win for our team and all of China.”

For those who are interested, here are some other BBIFW posts about Chang:

• Who the Heck is Ray Chang?
• Ray Chang Surprises with Perfect English
• Former Wizards Likely to Debut in 2009 – Part III

Here are some other news and blog items that have recently appeared about Chang:

• Ray Chang homers as China beats Taiwan 4-1 in World Baseball Classic (Yahoo Sports)
• Mission Cap of the Night: Ray Chang (Fifty Mission Cap)
• WBC Pool A: China upsets and eliminates Taiwan (Mister Baseball – Germany)
• The WBC’s a hit — in Tokyo, anyway (Chicago Tribune)
• Team China keeps it interesting, but loses first game to Team Japan, 4-0, in WBC opener (Examiner.com)
• Rockhurst grad plays for China in World Baseball Classic (Kansas City.com)

I’ve noticed that many people have come to this site using “Ray Chang” as part of their key search phrases. Most likely, that is becuase very few have heard of him before this year. Had it not been for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) and his inclusion as one of three players (Zhenwang Zhang and Kai Liu being the others) within a Major League club’s affiliation to make the China team, he’d still be a virtual unknown.

Chang primarily plays shortstop, which will likely cause the Chinese team captian, Yufeng Zhang, to move to first base for the WBC. Chang has played in the Padres’ and Pirates’ farm systems, and has a minor-league line of .258/.330/.375. Not eye-popping, but the pitching he’s seen on a regular basis is far better than what his teammates have seen.

The infielder came to the Padres in as an undrafted free agent in 2005 after trying his luck during an open try-out. He had been scouted while playing at Rockhurst University, but was labeled by scouts as having fielding skilsl that were “too latin.”

That year, he split time with the Arizona Fall League and Lake Elsinore. In 2006, he played 26 games with Fort Wayne, hitting .286 with 26 hits and 19 runs over 91 at-bats. He hit three home runs and drove in eight. That season he also played about a dozen games each in Double-A Mobile and Triple-A Portland.

In 2007, Chang split time between High-A Lake Elsinore where he hit .304 and Triple-A Portland, where he spent most of the season. After about 30 games split between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A POrtland, the Padres relased Change. He caught on with Pittsburgh late in the season before appearing in 5 games with their Double-A affiliate in Altoona.

Chang currently plays in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor league system, and has played as high as Triple-A ball. He was born in Kansas City and originally signed with the Padres as a non-drafted free agent out of Rockhurst University in 2005. In 2008, the Padres released him. The Pirates signed him and sent him to Double-A Altoona, where he appeared in five games.

Related BBIFW Posts:

• Ray Chang Surprises with Perfect English

Photo was pulled from MadFriars.com. I did not take it, nor do I claim ownership.