Playing in Japan

Would you consider Korea, Taiwan, or Mexico also? I know the Mariners' Korean scout: he has helped players to go both ways to and from Korea.

With one exception, the Chiba Lotte Marines who are looking for an outfielder or DH with some sock, there are no openings in Japan right now. Your best bets would consequently be, as Kiyoshi wisely pointed out, Taiwan, Korea, or Mexico. You also should think about a U.S. independednt league. Jimmy Hurst got signed right off the Newark Bears and is with Hiroshima this season.

You're not going to play catcher anywhere in Japan since you don't speak Japanese and there aren't any teams seeking a third baseman right now. If Scott Sheldon doesn't hit the first half of the season, he may get the boot from Orix, though. In the meantime, play with somebody to keep your chops up and get an agent who has some connection with Japan such as Alan Nero or Tony Attanasio.

A note to all further Japan aspirees: Do your work early. They don't like taking players on in mid-camp unless its a fairly well known name such as Alex Ochoa. And research what it's like to live in that country and read up on its baseball history. Those things will help you in your adjustment to a foreign culture.

Good pointers Gary!

It is amazing that even some Major League veterans don't do any research on NPB and the Japanese culture before they agree to come over. They're the ones who lock themselves up in their hotel rooms.

To paraphrase what Gary said, get a good agent with some experience dealing with the Japanese. If you're willing to try Korea, I can get you together with the Korean scout. Where do you live, Pee Wee Lopez?

And please keep us informed of your progress, Peewee. I'd be really interested in finding out how things went. I mean, ya never know, we on this list may one day have the privelege of saying "Oh yeah, I knew him before he came to Japan."

Hi, Mr. Torakichi

I'm very interested in playing Pro Ball in Japan. I've played in Brooklyn N.Y in the GOYA League, Puerto Rico, and for the U.S. Marine Corps Baseball Team in the Western Semi-Pro Baseball Association (California), and I am currently getting ready for the season in Southern Japan, Double AA level ball. I have played all positions to include pitching. I reside in Iwakuni, Japan, Yamaguchi-Ken Prefecture with my wife who is Japanese a Son and Daughter. I've always dreamed of being in MLB or NPB. I know scouts are rare in this area. Would you have a point of contact on scouts within the local area? Your assistance and support would be appreciated. I'm hoping that PeeWee Lopez lands on a NPB Team.

Angel Lopez
0827(31)8484

Whoa, hang on there.

Angel, I would love to help you, but I'm just a fan - nothing more. Sorry (but good luck to you!)

Realistically, Angel Lopez would have difficulty playing professional baseball in Asia. Sorry Angel,but your lack of pro experience will hurt your chances. Did you ever try out for pro ball in the USA or Puerto Rico? Maybe an independant league in the United States could give you a shot.

On the other hand, Pee Wee Lopez (with his AAA pro experinece) might have a chance in NPB but likely would have a better chance in Korea or Taiwan.

You're correct Kiyoshi-san, not having minor league experience. I've tried out for Pro Ball in the USA. However, military commitments prevented me from pursuing a contract. Now that I'm out and residing in Japan, I'm focused and determined to pursue my dream. But with the possibilities of war, I might be recalled back to active duty. I've been focused and in the zone and will continue practicing with my Japanese teammates.

Thanks for your assistance and support. Have a great week.

Angel Lopez # 3
Iwakuni Baseball Club

Actually, Pee Wee, you do have one advantage: you are already in country and you already have some idea of what the culture is like. Consequently, you won't have to endure the homesickness and other stresses players coming to Japan for the first time feel.

Why don't you take a shot and have somebody shoot some good quality video of you, no more than 60 minutes, a kind of highlight reel, and have your wife put together a resume for you and send copies out to the Japanese clubs? NPB has try outs three or four times a year. While I suspect that your best bet at this point is Taiwan, taking the suggested steps won't hurt.

You could also go to the Dominican Republic and try out for the Carp's Academy team. If they like you there, they may send you to the Japanese minors. However, they tend to prefer players 21 or under.

But I would like to ask you the following questions:

• Were you among the top hitters in the leagues you played in?
• Do you have sock or are you more of a gap hitter?
• Do you have statistical breakdowns that they could look at?
• What are you strongest and weakest points defensively (be honest with yourself since a scout is going to spot any deficiencies right away)?
• What pitches do you handle well and what do you need to work on?
• What is your injury history? Any surgeries?
• How fast do you run the 50 meter dash? Anything over 6.2 seconds for a non-power guy will probably be too slow. 5.8-5.9 would be excellent while 6.0 is above average.
• Also, if you can get someone to clock your batspeed...

If you put together any video footage along with a resume and an analysis of your abilities (it might be a good idea to ask your coaches to write you something), I would like to see it so that, if I like what I see, I can pass it along to some people who could really help you.

In any event, even if you can't find a way to a pro team, you should continue playing baseball just for the joy of it. Good luck.

Gary, Good ideas!

Gary: Look back to all the postings and you will see that we are talking to two different Lopezes.

The initial writer was Pee Wee Lopez. He played in USA pro minors leagues the past five years (AAA last two).

Angel Lopez is the latter writer. Angel is in Japan. He has experience in amateur ball in the USA, PR, and Japan.

Anyway, either Lopez should take Gary's advice.

Good evening fellas,

I am a sports agent who represents pro baseball players. I have one individual, a pitcher, who spent the last two years as AAA. His stats are outstanding but seems to be caught up in a numbers game. He asked me to look into overseas ball.

He will probably not make the majors out of spring and just wants to know what options he has. Any suggestions as to how I can start contacting teams?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Joe

Hallo,

I am from Romania and I want to play baseball here. In Romania I've played DH. I am 23 years old, 1.82m, 90kg, 6.0/50m. I just want somebody to see me and to test me. I am ready to make a test period (3-4 weeks). In Romania we don't have the chance. The scouts don't come there. I am now in Tokyo.

raduchr at yahoo dot com.

Good evening Gary, this is Angel Lopez from Japan. Thanks for your advice. Gary, I'm a retired U.S Marine, 42 years old who plays and has the heart of a 20 year old. I've been approached by many Japanese during the Japanese baseball tournaments, as well as Americans. When they find out my age, they can't believe I'm 42. I'm pursing my dream and I'm looking forward to signing with any NPB or MLB team who will be willing to give me a chance and a good look. I'm a shortstop, however, as a team player, I'll play any position to include pitching.

At 5' 11", 180lbs, defense, producing, and solid line drives is my game "if it goes it goes." Pitching has been a plus since high school. My pitches include a curve, slider, cutter, knuckleball, splitter, and a fastball @130-140k. I can go a full game, relief, or close. My goal by next month is to throw a consistant 145k fastball.

As far as monetary, I'll play for the minimum. I love the game, just like any other kid.

Once again Gary, thanks for your advice and encouragement. Gary, you'll be the first to know on my progress and I'll keep in touch. Take care and God Bless.

Angel M. Lopez # 3
Playball

I didn't respond to the original post here since I'd already replied to him off list. Besides, it's been great seeing some more ideas being presented. I think that this post will supersede my FAQ on wanting to play in Japan.

From the FAQ I have two pieces of advice:

1. Get an agent with experience in Japan.
2. Read Latham-san's excellent article on the subject (although I think you've all pretty much covered it).

However, many players have agents who don't have that experience. So, how do they get it?

Well, a self-motivated agent would probably check the FAQ and find the team contacts page, and phone, fax, or snail-mail the various ball clubs. I think that such an agent would have a better chance of getting a reply if (s)he corresponds in Japanese - especially at the start. That would probably entail hiring a Japanese exchange student from a nearby university so as not to insult teams with first contact. (Please keep in mind that you're getting this advice from a fan who knows nothing about business. In other words, adopt this advice to what you know of the practices in your trade.)

I've got a question for anyone who's familiar with how agents work. With computer programming, there's the Open Source movement whereby programmers help out other programmers, even the competition, for the betterment of the community. In fandom there is SABR, Baseball Guru, this site, and many others where fans help each other through publishings, studies, and discussions. Do agents have any kind of community to help one-another get the information necessary to do their job better, or in this case, to learn how to do business with Japanese teams? Or is it all cut-throat, dog-eat-dog?

Thanks for the team links. That will be a great help. We have someone who is fluent in Japanese drafting a letter now to the teams. Again thank you and we will keep you updated on this player's progress.

Joe

Mr. Delisi,

I reside in Japan and am very interested in an agent who can at least evalute my potential and skills. Obviously, I didn't have the oppurtunity to play in the Minor Leagues or MLB due to Military Commitments.

My experience in ametuer baseball and playing with awesome ballplayers is a plus. All I ask for is an oppurtunity for a fair chance.

Thank you for your assistance, support, and advice.

Angel Lopez

Hi Angel,

I assume you are the same Angel who wrote above (the 42 year old Marine?). Although I admire your tenacity, I would have to tell you that your age is going to keep you from playing any high level ball. There are just too many young guys who have talent and skills. As for me, I do not represent any non-pro player. You may be able to find an up and coming agent who is willing to help you out.

I wish you luck in your dream and personally thank you for your service to our country.

As I previosuly mentioned, Angel Lopez's age (42) and lack of experience will be great obstacles to play at such a high level of ball as NPB.

However, the original posting was Pee Wee Lopez, who is in his 20s and has AAA and AA experience with the Braves. Pee Wee might have a shot.

Greg Hansell, who played for Hanshin Tigers 00-02, says about playing in Japan on his website. [Link]

I recommend that you have a look at it and send mail to him. Greg may give good advice for you.

I wish you every success, peewee.

Trey T.
Homepage

Lopez:

I would strongly advise you to play in Taiwan. Although the level there may not be as great as NPB, many of the players play in Taiwan first, do well for a year or two, and eventually interest Japanese scouts. Right off the top of my head, I know at least 9 players that played in Taiwan were signed by a Japanese pro team, such as the Lions, Fighters, and Giants. That is a high percentage considering that Taiwan only has 6 pro teams now, and each team can only have 3 foreign players.

Although teams in Taiwan are more willing to sign pitchers, some teams are having troubles with their batting, so they are looking for a good hitter. Taiwan also has a craving for catchers (most of them do not have enough experience on the field), and some teams need good third baseman. I say get an agent and see if he can hook you up with any team in Taiwan. It is a extremely good spring board to the NPB.

Good luck.

Hello my name is Jason Wall. I have played in the U.S.A. with the Reds as well as independant orginizations. Recently I have been in Europe playing. I was MVP of the inter league as well as best pitcher in the Euro Cup.

I am interested in playing in Taiwan. Anyone know of an agent or someone I can contact? I know one of the players that plays there now (not personally, we just played against one another for several years): Joe Davenport. He is having success there and I know I can play on or maybe above that level.

I have talked to several agents in the States, but none seem to have the contacts that are needed to get there.

Any help would be apreciated.

Thanks,
Jason

Jason,

I can get a scout for the Korean Baseball Organization to look at your portfolio and scouting reports. The KBO is a step above Taiwan's CPBL, but not as good as Nippon Pro Baseball.

I am trying to contact Pee Wee Lopez and I see that he has written in this forum. Is there any contact info for him?

Christine
- New Haven, CT
now in Branford, CT