Hideki Irabu was supposed to be the next version of Hideo Nomo when the San Diego Padres purchased his rights from Chiba Lotte Marines. Only problem is that he only wanted to play for the New York Yankees. He had a killer 98 MPH fastball, and the was the strikeout king of Japan. George Steinbrenner did all he could to bring him to the Bronx.
Unfortunately, he never lived up to the hype that surrounded him, only being marginal talent. The thing he is best known for was failing to cover first base in a spring training game, and “the Boss” called him a “fat pussy toad.”
Well, Irabu is making a comeback. He has signed a contract with the Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League, and independent minor league team.
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I just read about this like 5 minutes ago Johnny(Quote)
see johnny, we are on top of things around here. sparty(Quote)
That you guys are; i’m impressed Johnny(Quote)
If Irabu is fat, what does that make Joba and CC? john(Quote)
he wasn’t called fat until he failed to do a routine play. for their size, especially CC, they are quite athletic. sparty(Quote)
Surprised that he is here in the US. I don’t think he ever spoke English while with the Yankees. cycledan(Quote)