Chou Szu-chi
A durable and powerful-hitting outfielder who became a beloved mainstay over two decades in Taiwan's professional baseball league.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Taiwanese baseball player·Birthday: October 26·Millennials
Biography
Chou Szu-chi's name is synonymous with consistency in the Chinese Professional Baseball League. For twenty seasons, he patrolled the outfield with a strong arm and stepped into the batter's box with intimidating power, becoming a fixture for fans of the Macoto Cobras and later the Brother Elephants franchise. His career spanned eras, from the league's early struggles to its modern stability. Chou wasn't always the flashiest star, but he was the reliable force in the lineup, the veteran presence who could change a game with one swing. His loyalty to his teams, particularly his long tenure with the Brother Elephants through their rebranding to the CTBC Brothers, made him a fan favorite. In a sport where careers can be short, his two-decade run spoke to remarkable physical conditioning, adaptability, and a pure love for the game that resonated throughout Taiwanese baseball.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chou was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chou Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Chou's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played 20 consecutive seasons in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), a testament to remarkable longevity.
- Won the CPBL Best Ten Award as an outfielder in the 2008 season.
- Helped lead the Brother Elephants to multiple Taiwan Series championships during his tenure with the team.
- Recorded over 1,000 career hits in the CPBL, a significant milestone.
Did You Know?
He was known for his exceptional outfield arm strength, often deterring runners from taking extra bases.
Chou played his entire professional career for only two organizations, despite the team names changing due to sponsorship.
He was selected to represent the Chinese Taipei national baseball team in international competitions, including the World Baseball Classic.
After retirement, he has remained involved in baseball as a coach and commentator.
“My job is to hit the ball hard and help my team win every game.”
