Just when you thought your shot at playing big league ball was finished, new hope awaits. The Hiroshima Toyo Carp and Chiba Lotte Marines are holding open tryouts. From Japanese Baseball:

The Hiroshima Toyo Carp will be having a tryout on September 15, 2008 at Hiroshima Shimin Kyujyo. They are looking for players, male, between the ages of 17 and 24 at least 175 cm tall. Proof of elegibility is required (i.e. not under contract with other leagues or eligible for the draft). For more details, contact the Carp front office at 082-221-2040 (or 81-82-221-2040 outside of Japan).

The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters will be holding tryouts at their Chiba facilities on October 4, 2008. You must be 24 years of age or younger, be able to run 50 meters within 6.5 seconds, and meet eligibility requirements (such as not covered under the draft system for school students and/or not under contract by another professional or semi-professional team). Personal histories (resumes?) must be mailed in before September 25, 2008. For details, call 011-857-3939 (or 81-11-857-3939 outside if Japan). You most likely be required to speak in Japanese, so have your Japan-knowledgeable agent take care of this.

By the way, don’t expect the teams to foot the bill for your expenses. Rumor has it Aaron is already in his backyard doing wind sprints to try to beat that 6.5 50 meter time…