Independent league inks sponsor deal with Shikoku Coca-Cola

Independent league inks sponsor deal with Shikoku Coca-Cola

TAKAMATSU, Japan - Hiromichi Ishige (R), head of Tokyo-based company IBLJ, the operator of Japan's new independent baseball league, speaks at a press conference after signing a three-year sponsorship deal with Yotaro Endo (L), president of Shikoku Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

Steady progress seen in 'Independent League' plans

Steady progress seen in 'Independent League' plans

MATSUYAMA, Japan - Hiromichi Ishige, former Orix BlueWave manager and now president of Tokyo-based company IBLJ, speaks of his plans to establish a new baseball league in the four prefectures on Shikoku at a press conference in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, on Dec. 1. He said the plans are making steady progress as advisers and coaching staff have been shortlisted and more than 900 players have applied for tryouts.

Steady progress seen in 'Independent League' plans

Steady progress seen in 'Independent League' plans

MATSUYAMA, Japan - Hiromichi Ishige, former Orix BlueWave manager and now president of Tokyo-based company IBLJ, speaks of his plans to establish a new baseball league in the four prefectures on Shikoku at a press conference in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, on Dec. 1. He said the plans are making steady progress as advisers and coaching staff have been shortlisted and more than 900 players have applied for tryouts. (Kyodo)

Independent league inks sponsor deal with Shikoku Coca-Cola

Independent league inks sponsor deal with Shikoku Coca-Cola

TAKAMATSU, Japan - Hiromichi Ishige (R), head of Tokyo-based company IBLJ, the operator of Japan's new independent baseball league, speaks at a press conference after signing a three-year sponsorship deal with Yotaro Endo (L), president of Shikoku Coca-Cola Bottling Co. (Kyodo)