Link of the Week (or Whenever): Chase Lambin

February 25th, 2009

February 25, 2009  — Most often when you hear of a ballplayer going to Japan, he’s near (or at) the end of his MLB career. Occasionally, a younger player gets the chance to experience yakyuu. One such ballplayer this season is Chase Lambin, infielder for Triple-A Albuquerque in 2008, who recently signed with the Chiba Lotte Marines, managed by Bobby Valentine.

Lambin dubs his whirlwind, nine-day tryout the “Magical Mystery Tour” and chronicles his adventures, complete with photos, smiles and happy ending at a couple sites:  Clubhouse Gas and New York Future Stars.  It’s a fun read, in large part because of his boundless enthusiasm, which includes his willingness to faithfully log in each day of the nine with the latest news about his trip.

I refrained from posting my favorite quote, because it would be completely misunderstood when read out of context. So we will all have to to settle for second place:

Up at 7 a.m. for my 10:45 international flight. Get to the terminal with plenty of time to spare and the Continental worker asks where I am headed. I stick out my chest, with a big smile, and say, “Tokyo!” like she should be impressed. I guess she wasn’t because she looked at me like I was an idiot. (I guess other people in the world fly to Japan besides me).

Hey, no worries Kid. Have fun! Jaa, mata ne!

Entry Filed under: Game of Life,Major League Baseball,Minor Leagues