Chinese Taipei Pitcher Sparks “Unfair” Debate at Little League World Series
The 2025 Little League World Series Championship Game between Chinese Taipei and Nevada has been filled with excitement, drama, and even controversy. At the heart of the discussion is 12-year-old pitcher Lin Chin-Tse, who has been nothing short of dominant throughout the tournament.
On Sunday, Lin once again showcased his incredible skills on the mound. Facing Nevada’s lineup, he has retired 15 of the 16 hitters he’s seen, allowing just a single hit. By the fifth inning, he was cruising with efficiency, barely surpassing the 50-pitch mark. With Little League’s strict pitch count rules capping pitchers at 85 pitches per game, Lin remains comfortably within the limit with one inning to go unless the game stretches into extra innings.
But Lin’s performance isn’t just impressive it’s sparked heated debate about whether his dominance is “unfair.” The young pitcher has been clocked throwing fastballs at 82 miles per hour, a staggering number when you consider the context. While Major League Baseball pitchers throw from a mound 60 feet 6 inches away, Little League mounds are only 46 feet from home plate. This shorter distance effectively increases the reaction time challenge for batters, making Lin’s 82 MPH fastball equivalent to a professional pitcher firing one at 107 MPH.
For 12-year-olds, most of whom typically see pitches in the 60–70 MPH range, facing someone like Lin is an almost impossible task. It explains why hitters have looked overmatched and why fans and even some commentators are raising questions: Is this within the spirit of Little League competition?
Still, others argue that this is exactly what makes the Little League World Series so special. Every year, prodigies emerge who seem years ahead of their peers, and the tournament provides a rare stage for the world to see them shine. For Lin Chin-Tse, his blazing fastball is not a violation of the rules it’s simply talent meeting opportunity.
As Chinese Taipei continues its push for the championship, Lin’s pitching will undoubtedly remain the storyline. Whether seen as unfair or simply extraordinary, one thing is clear: the 12-year-old has captured the attention of the baseball world, and he’s giving Nevada hitters and everyone watching an unforgettable reminder of just how exciting youth baseball can be.