HIROSHIMA, Japan -- It has been almost half a century since the Beatles made their lone tour to Japan, but as D-backs chief baseball officer Tony La Russa, recent Hall of Fame inductee Randy Johnson and franchise legend Luis Gonzalez touched down less than 48 hours ago, the trio learned what it must have been like to have their every step followed by legions of adoring fans.
The first indication that their goodwill trip would draw attention came the moment they emerged from customs at Tokyo's Haneda airport at 5 a.m. local time Friday. Fans were already on site seeking autographs and photos from three of the biggest names in D-backs franchise history.