Chris Latham's entrance to Japan and the world of Japanese pro baseball was supposed to go smoothly.
After arriving at Narita Airport on Sunday, May 11, he was to be introduced to the media and fans, then work out (but not be registered) with the Yomiuri Giants prior to their games against the Yokohama BayStars at Tokyo Dome on May 13-15.
Then, when the team went on the road to Osaka and Fukuoka, he was to play on the Giants Eastern League farm team, where day games would allow him to overcome jet lag and give him the at bats he so badly needed to get his hitting stroke and timing at the plate. It was expected he would be in top shape and on the varsity roster when the club played at Yokohama May 23-25.