On the Road with Bobby V. and Frank Ramppen

Bobby Valentine and Richard Gere chat before the game.

Yesterday we had a game in Sendai. Sendai is a lot 150 miles north of Tokyo and really reminds me of New England. There are many trees and rolling hills. We had a very special guest before the game.

Richard Gere his wife Carey and son Homer took the 1 hour and 40 minute Shinkasn (Bullet Train) from Tokyo and met with my team before the game.  Homer, his 9-year-old son, threw out the first pitch of the game and showed a very strong arm. Most kids his age bounce the ball before the plate but Homer, who takes lessons at the Bobby Valentine Sports Academy in Stamford, had plenty of distance on his throw.

Homer and Richard on the mound just before Homer threw the first pitch.

Richard is in Japan to release his new movie Hachi. Many of the players had the opportunity to meet him and Carey and were all very happy and grateful. I am sure the movie promotion company had many other plans for Richard but he was kind enough to take the time and make the trip out to see our game and I cannot thank him enough.

The beautiful Carey Lowell before the game.

I guess I will try to repay the favor by having many dinners at his wonderful restaurant in Bedford, The Post Inn, during the offseason.

– Bobby V.