Former Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu was found dead in his Los Angeles home last Wednesday of an apparent suicide. Apparently Irabu’s closest friend and drinking buddy found him swinging from a rope, prompting immediate mourning in the City of Montreal.
Irabu, who was known as “The Japanese Nolan Ryan”, was acquired from the Yankees for Ted Lilly in 1999 and it was an absolute coup for the ‘Spos. Irabu went on to be the greatest pitcher in Expos history, while Lilly has floundered around the major leagues for the past 12 years, trying to put together a career.
Irabu made an instant impression on the Expos faithful in his Montreal debut on April 4, 2000. In two innings Irabu allowed only six runs on seven hits and took the heartbreaking loss. It was at that point Irabu-mania took over Montreal.
Although Irabu only played two seasons in The City of Saints he became a legend. In 14 starts Irabu went 2-7 with a 6.69 ERA. Impressive huh? What’s more impressive is his 1.626 WHIP. The likes of former Expos like Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson only wish they could have had such an impact on the franchise.
The “Fat Pussy Toad”, as former Yankees owner George Steinbrenner affectionately nicknamed him, had a strict conditioning regiment. It consisted of mass quantities of alcohol and multiple packs of cigarettes per day (and most likely strippers, I mean he was in Montreal).
If you don’t believe me ask the Japanese bartender that Irabu assaulted in 2008. After knocking back 20 beers, Irabu’s credit card was declined and he beat the shit out of the bar manager. Bar fighting was essential in Irabu’s conditioning. He claimed it kept his arm in game shape.
If that didn’t wet your whistle enough, he was arrested in 2010 by the Los Angeles Police Department for drunk driving. This was also part of his regiment because he claimed driving drunk helped him focus. As he swerved in and out of his lane he imagined it was a giant catcher’s mitt. He gave this workout the credit for making his slider filthy.
Irabu will be greatly missed by the Country of Japan, The City of Montreal, and other baseball fans world wide. But as Ichiro Sakashita, another close friend of Irabu, said:
"He decided to go to heaven, so we must accept that.”
Sayonara Fat Pussy Toad. May you rest in peace…
Hideki Irabu May 5th, 1969 to July 27th 2011
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