TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese baseball player Cheng Tsung-che (鄭宗哲), 23, was promoted to the Major League Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates roster on Monday.

Cheng said he was delighted by the news, adding that it came on his wife’s birthday. He said his excitement about being promoted from Triple-A meant he forgot to buy a present, though he made a homemade chocolate cake for her, per LTN.

Cheng said getting on the 26-person active roster is a gift for his wife, who has supported him throughout his quest to break into the big leagues. When he stepped onto the Pirates’ home ballpark, PNC Park, for batting practice, he saw the Roberto Clemente Bridge just beyond the outfield wall and felt, “Oh, this is real.”

Cheng said that playing in the major leagues has been a lifelong dream. He said he hopes to not put too much pressure on himself and worry about his stats. “Right now, I just want to enjoy baseball, enjoy the fun of playing baseball, and work hard to continue to improve every day,” he said. 

Cheng is the 18th Taiwanese player to reach the major leagues. The native of Pingtung has impressed scouts with his athleticism and ability to play infield positions. With a height of 173 cm, he is quick on the base path and adept at shortstop.

This is Cheng’s fifth season in the US. His call-up comes as the Pirates experienced several injuries in the infield. He performed well in spring training and is expected to contribute immediately in a utility role.

Cheng is a left-handed hitter who can hit to both sides of the outfield and reach base. Cheng’s first start may be a home series game against the St. Louis Cardinals.