The line of fans began by the fence in the right-field stands at Tokyo Dome and stretched all the way to the back wall, snaking up through rows 1-14 and 15-21 and around the corner.

The fans, mostly clad in the orange and black of the Yomiuri Giants, waited patiently. Most held camera phones at the ready and some peeked excitedly ahead. One couple practiced the English phrase "nice to meet you." Eventually, a slightly flustered-looking security guard had to attempt to break things up.

But that was easier said than done. Because everyone wanted a photo with Amy Franz, who was sitting in the heart of the Yomiuri cheering section wearing a glittering sequin-covered hat patterned like a baseball and a teal No. 51 Seattle Mariners jersey.