Independent Baseball in Japan?
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Re: Independent Baseball in Japan?
[ Author: Deanna | Posted: Jan 4, 2010 1:18 AM
| NIP Fan
]
They definitely employ foreigners -- when I saw the Kochi Fighting Dogs this past summer, they had a Venezuelan guy in the game named Francisco Caraballo (apparently used to be in the Astros system?). There aren't a lot of foreigners on the teams, but they do exist. I'm under the impression, though, that the players aren't paid a lot though -- like $1,500-2,000 a month, if that? Which might be why they don't really go hiring foreign players much, as that's barely enough to live on in a big city in Japan.
I have no idea how you actually get involved with the teams, but just wanted to let you know that it does seem to be a possibility.
I have no idea how you actually get involved with the teams, but just wanted to let you know that it does seem to be a possibility.
Re: Independent Baseball in Japan?
[ Author: Guest | Posted: Jan 4, 2010 4:46 AM
]
Is this you? I hope someone more knowledgeable about the Japanese Independent leagues will chime in.
Anyway, you might have come across the name Dioni Soriano during your Google search:He is a product of the Carp Academy in Dominica. The Japanese Wiki page of the Shikoku Island League mentions some connection with Australia. And two months ago, the Kansai League announced that they would add a team that is made of ethnic Koreans.
Having said that, I don't think it's difficult to at least take part in open tryouts. A quick Google search shows that a fair number of foreign players have done that. You just need someone who understands Japanese to help you along the way (e.g. tryout announcement, transportation, etc.).
Anyway, you might have come across the name Dioni Soriano during your Google search:He is a product of the Carp Academy in Dominica. The Japanese Wiki page of the Shikoku Island League mentions some connection with Australia. And two months ago, the Kansai League announced that they would add a team that is made of ethnic Koreans.
Having said that, I don't think it's difficult to at least take part in open tryouts. A quick Google search shows that a fair number of foreign players have done that. You just need someone who understands Japanese to help you along the way (e.g. tryout announcement, transportation, etc.).
Re: Independent Baseball in Japan?
[ Author: Guest: Alex Smith | Posted: Jan 8, 2010 3:30 AM
]
Yes, that is me. Thank you very much for your help. I really do appreciate it!
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I assume my experience level in the US minor leagues to date would not qualify me for the Japanese big leagues or their farm system, but probably would for indy ball.
Thanks for any feedback or information.