Ex-Yankees Pitcher Hideki Irabu Committed Suicide, Coroner Confirms

(AP Photo/John Dunn, July 10, 1997)

The coroner's office has confirmed that Hideki Irabu's death last month was a suicide, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The ex-Yankees pitcher, 42, had been found dead in his Rancho Palos Verdes home on July 27.

Coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey said Irabu hanged himself, confirming earlier reports from TMZ.

After a much-heralded career pitching in Japan, Irabu played in the major leagues from 1997 to 2002. Irabu was signed by the Yankees after refusing to play for the San Diego Padres, who purchased his contract from the Chiba Lotte Marines in the Japanese Pacific League.

Despite the fanfare surrounding his arrival, many fans were underwhelmed by his performance — including Frank Costanza on this episode "Seinfeld."