Team USA pitcher Spencer Patton was not entirely sure what kind of reception he was going to get after setting up an impromptu autograph session the day before the United States was scheduled to face Japan in the Premier12.

Patton however, realized he may have underestimated the bonds he formed with some of the fans during his time with the Yokohama BayStars as he signed autographs and chatted with the line of fans who showed up after a U.S. practice at Tokyo Dome Wednesday.

“It just goes to show the support that these fans have for their players and how much they actually pay attention to the game,” Patton told The Japan Times at the Big Egg on Thursday. “Just the fact I was only here for four years, but that I was able to make an impact on a fan base like that is pretty special.