Former Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu was found dead in his California home today. Irabu was 42 years old.
His death is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to the New York Times.
Irabu was a star in Japan before coming to the United States in 1997 to play for his dream team, the New York Yankees. However, his tenure at the Yankees was not dreamlike—the Japanese-American pitcher did not find success in America. Some say he did not have sufficient dedication and didn’t work hard enough to keep fit.
Whatever the cause, Irabu proved a disappointment and was traded to the Montreal Expos where he played for three seasons before ending up with the Texas Rangers. Irabu returned to Japan in 2003 and played a season with the Hanshin Tigers.
In 2009, Irabu signed on to play for Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League.
The Yankees released this statement about his death Thursday evening: “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.
“Our sympathies and support go out to his wife, Kyonsu, his two children, and all of his friends and loved ones.”
His death is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to the New York Times.
Irabu was a star in Japan before coming to the United States in 1997 to play for his dream team, the New York Yankees. However, his tenure at the Yankees was not dreamlike—the Japanese-American pitcher did not find success in America. Some say he did not have sufficient dedication and didn’t work hard enough to keep fit.
Whatever the cause, Irabu proved a disappointment and was traded to the Montreal Expos where he played for three seasons before ending up with the Texas Rangers. Irabu returned to Japan in 2003 and played a season with the Hanshin Tigers.
In 2009, Irabu signed on to play for Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League.
The Yankees released this statement about his death Thursday evening: “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.
“Our sympathies and support go out to his wife, Kyonsu, his two children, and all of his friends and loved ones.”
