The CPBL set off with a bang, with ticket sales breaking 10 million in 1997. As the league's popularity grew, so did players 'pay and ability to make a living from the sport.
職棒熱鬧開打，至 1997 年已突破 1,000 萬觀賽人次，球員的待遇水漲船高，生活大為改善。