You heard where those dedicated fans of the Chiba Lotte Marines gathered more than 110,000 signatures on a petition opposed to the team's dropping of American manager Bobby Valentine at the end of the 2009 season. The document was delivered to the team's front office earlier this month for presentation to team owner Takeo Shigemitsu.
What impact the action will have on the club's decision not to renew Valentine's contract remains to be seen, but the international community added its support to the 59-year-old manager, as several foreigners added their names to the appeal for his retention.
Jeff McNeill, a longtime Japan resident active on the boards of several non-profit organizations here, collected signatures from affiliates of Japan's global business circle from well-known figures such as former sumo wrestler Konishiki, to express their appreciation for what Bobby has done for baseball and the community.