TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — With Taiwan’s professional baseball league set to begin on March 29, teams still have time to make adjustments—including addressing concerns over a newly constructed department store adjacent to the outfield of Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium.

The building’s white exterior wall, dubbed the “white monster,” has drawn criticism from players who say it interferes with batters' vision. The white baseball blends into the background, making it difficult to pick up the ball as it leaves the pitcher’s hand, UDN reported.

Baseball Commissioner Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌) acknowledged the controversy, stating that he has discussed the issue with the CTBC Brothers, who use the stadium as their home field. The team has promised to make improvements before the season starts.

During spring exhibition games, several players voiced concerns about the visual obstruction. Uni Lions Captain Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲) said the “white monster” is especially problematic in the afternoon, when the sun is most intense, causing the baseball to disappear instantly in front of batters.

CTBC Brothers slugger Chen Chun-hsiu (陳俊秀) also reported difficulties at the plate. Rakuten Monkeys Manager Furukubo Kenji added, “I have never seen this situation with a stadium; we should respect the players.” He expressed confidence that changing the wall’s color to a darker shade would resolve the issue.

On Sunday, Tsai addressed the controversy on social media, stating that both the league and the CTBC Brothers have requested that the building owner and construction team complete the exterior wall and remove the white color before the start of the regular season.

Many fans welcomed the decision, though some questioned whether there is a review mechanism for building development near stadiums. Tsai responded, “Every building must apply for a building permit as well as a use permit.”