A new study reveals a correlation between Taiwan’s baseball victories and shifts in national identity. Researchers analyzed polling data from the 2024 Premier12 tournament and found that wins boosted feelings of exclusively Taiwanese identity. Conversely, success on the baseball field appeared to lessen the number of individuals identifying as both Taiwanese and Chinese. The impact of these victories, however, wasn’t uniform; reactions differed based on the opposing team and the political leanings of respondents. This suggests that Taiwanese national identity is fluid and responsive to external events, particularly in the realm of international sports. The study highlights the emotional and often contested nature of nationhood in Taiwan, demonstrating how baseball can become a focal point for expressing and negotiating identity. The findings underscore the complex relationship between sports, politics, and national belonging.