Following the example of several renowned sports players in the United States, Wang lent a NT$5 million hand to the new institution and invited the public to donate NT$100 or more through the foundation's Web Site (http://www.cmwangderful.com/).

Speaking at an event in the afternoon, Wang said: “I hope that everybody could support me and the children so that they can learn in a more [stable environment].”

In exchange for their support, he explained that members of the foundation will obtain special tips about his training sessions all through the upcoming baseball season and will join in an annual draw with special prizes and exclusive autographs.

According to recent data from the Ministry of the Interior, there are up to 90,846 low-income families in Taiwan, with nearly eight in every ten children of low-income families unable to apply for government-sponsored subsidies.

“The growing inequality of opportunities between children in Taiwan pushed me to launch my own foundation,” said Wang, who disclosed that he will become a father this June. “It will be a son,” he told the media, which prompted speculations that he would look after his son's baseball training in the future.

“I think we will let him decide whether he wants to learn baseball,” he replied.

The 28-year-old right-hander grew up in the southern city of Tainan. He became a starter for the Yankees in 2005.

Although he missed most of the 2008 season with an injury, he remains a key player to his team's pitching.