Story of Japanese pitcher Irabu is familiar to Americans

Very sad to read the news today about Hideki Irabu, who hung himself and was found dead yesterday in Los Angeles.

I remember his signing well, much ballyhooed in an era where Japanese players arriving in the United States was still a novelty. I was still a baseball fan and Yankee supporter in those days, and I remember well the excitement that accompanied his arrival, as well as the disappointment that accompanied his performance.

What I was too young to understand and what even those who were didn’t know is that Irabu had issues with depression and alcoholism (a really terrible combo) even before he came Stateside. The move and increased pressures, only exacerbated the problem.

It’s a shame that his potential was unmet, and it’s a tragedy that those same factors that prevented the former ultimately overtook him in his personal life as well. Just sad, sad news.

It also should serve as a reminder of the very serious and dire nature of depression, alcoholism, and addiction, particularly when they go untreated. They are progressive and will pull you down, whether you’re a Japanese pitcher or an American blue collar worker.

There is no shame, only strength, in reaching out for help when you need it.