Tokyo Junkie

Home of Robert Whiting, best-selling author and journalist

Tag: Hideki Irabu

  • Irabu’s impact on MLB-NPB relations profound

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    by Robert Whiting (Oct 16, 2011) — First in a three-part series Hideki Irabu, once considered to be one of the best pitchers in the world, is dead, in what has been adjudged to be a suicide in late July. Formidable force: Hideki Irabu led the Pacific League twice in strikeouts and earned run average…

  • Attitude, lifestyle contributed to Irabu’s demise

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    by Robert Whiting (Oct 23, 2011) Hideki Irabu was given a king’s welcome in New York. He was flown to the city in Yankees owner George Steinbrenner’s private jet and given the key to the city by NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Irabu’s debut in America, July 10, 1997, was a memorable event in a Yankees…

  • Irabu spent final days lost, without purpose

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    by Robert Whiting (Oct 30, 2011) For the late pitcher Hideki Irabu, the surname Irabu had come from Hideki’s mother. It was her surname, and Hideki’s stepfather, Ichiro Irabu, had been a common-law husband. Still, he treated Hideki as his own, raised him and encouraged his love for baseball. He had set up a routine…