Zhenwang Zhang

Zhenwang Zhang (張振旺)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 169 lb.

• Born March 1, 1988 in Tianjin China

Zhenwang Zhang was one of the first Chinese players signed by a major league team.

Zhang helped the Tianjin Lions to China Baseball League titles in 2005 and 2006. He played for the Chinese national team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, getting one game in at catcher and not batting. On June 18, 2007, Zhang was signed (with Kai Liu) by the New York Yankees as one of the first three Chinese baseball players in the USA. He did not appear in the minors in 2008 and was left off China's team for the 2008 Olympics in favor of the duo of Wei Wang and Yang Yang. Zhang then was China's main catcher in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, going 0 for 6 with 3 strikeouts.

Sources: MLB.com Press Release, World Baseball Classic website