Hideki Irabu Dead at 42

A sad story was reported yesterday when the Yankees announced that former pitcher Hideki Irabu was found dead Wednesday.  While all of the details are yet to be known, the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department is stating that the incident was an apparent suicide.

"“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hideki Irabu. Every player that wears the pinstripes is forever a part of the Yankees family, and his death is felt throughout our organization,” read a statement issued by the Yankees. “Our sympathies and support go out to his wife, Kyonsu, his two children, and all of his friends and loved ones.”"

Irabu arrived before the 1997 season as one of the original Japanese players to move to MLB.  After his rights were purchased by the Padres, Irabu refused to pitch for the club and forced a trade to the Yankees.

He came over with high expectations that were expressed in the $12.8 million contract that was handed to him by New York before he threw a single pitch in the bigs.

While Irabu did find some success in his time with the Yankees, he was never able to live up to the hype heaped upon his shoulders.  Known more for his off field antics and “fat toad” label issued by a disgruntled George Steinbrenner, Irabu was eventually traded to the Expos for Jake Westbrook and Ted Lilly.  He ended up finishing his major league career with a single season in Texas.

In his 6 seasons in the bigs, Irabu maintained an ERA and WHIP of 5.15 and 1.43 over 126 games and 80 starts.

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