Hideki Irabu Dead: Suicide Suspected in July 27, 2011 Death

Former New York Yankees Pitcher Hideki Irabu Was Found Dead on Wednesday, July 27, 2011. Suicide is Supected

Japanese media outlets are reporting that former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu is dead. Irabu was found dead in his apartment in his California home on Wednesday, July 27, 2011. The death of Hideki Irabu may be a suicide.

Irabu was a much-hyped pitcher for the New York Yankees who played for the team from 1997 to 1999. Irabu was often the subject of criticism in New York and was famously mocked in an episode of Seinfeld.  Owner George Steinbrenner once called Irabu a "fat pussy toad."

After his tenure with the Yankees, Irabu played for the Montreal Expos and Houston Astros. He last players in the Major Leagues in 2002.

After his career, Irabu was arrested for drunk driving in 2010. In 2008, he was arrested for attacking a bar manager in Japan.

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