Welcome to “On the Road” with Bobby V. and Frank Ramppen.
Many of you know we have been in Japan for the past 6 years. We are both Rippowan graduates and have been in pro baseball collectively for more than 50 years. We will try and give you a close up look at what our lives are like thousand of miles away from home.
We live in the town of Kaihein Makuhari in Chiba Japan. It is the mid-point between Tokyo and the Narita International Airport. Our team is the Chiba Lotte Marines. The Lotte in the name is the name of our Parent Company. Lotte is a family owned multi billion dollar company and uses the team as an advertising arm for the brand. The nickname, Marines, refers to the fact that we are located on the Tokyo Bay…We play in the Pacific league of the 2 league, 12 team, NPB. (Nippon Professional Baseball)
We will try to make you feel at home while we describe our times here on the road in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Talk to you soon..
Bobby Valentine and Frank Ramppen
Hi Bobby, I always liked you when you were with the Mets. When I heard you manage a Japanese team and won a world series I was happy for you. I thought it was a raw deal what the Mets did to you. You were a good manager afterall you brought them to the world series in 2000. Good luck in the future with your team.
Comment by laura knapp — June 15th, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
Hi Brother Valentine,
Good luck in Japan.
In Hoc,
Jacob
Comment by Jacob — June 15th, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
Hi Frank, I love the blog, its a great way to keep up with your exploits and adventures. Its also an informative geography and history lesson on the Nippon league. I look forward to your future posts. Continued success to you and Bobby.
Comment by dave carino — June 16th, 2009 @ 9:26 am
Hi Bobby and Frank. I read about the recent petition that collected over 100,000 signatures to persuade Chiba management to renew your contract. Congrats on your popularity and success in Japan! Good luck wherever you wind up (the Se Rigu could use a great coach like you ^_^v).
Comment by Carp-fan — June 16th, 2009 @ 9:35 am
Hey Bobby,
Nice to hear more from you in Japan. Loved “The Zen of Bobby V”. You are a true inspiration.
Mark B.
Comment by Mark Betz — June 16th, 2009 @ 10:09 am
Hey Bobby,
Congrats on your success in Japan.
I was a cook at your Milford restaurant and always found you to be professional and polite.
Good luck in the future.
Comment by Dave — June 16th, 2009 @ 11:44 am
Hey Bobby and Frank, (Take Two)
My students loved the photos from Japan. Thank you for taking great care of Flat Stanley for us. I did not think you would know me by my Married name. I was Dara Longo when I worked for you at the stamford restaurant. I was the day bartender for a while. I still see Chakrin all the time. His daughter goes to Westover. We often talk about the good old days at Bobby V’s!
Thanks again,
Dara
Comment by Dara LONGO Minkler — June 18th, 2009 @ 10:52 am