This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Hideki Irabu Remembered By Teammates, Honored With Moment Of Silence
Hideki Irabu, the former New York Yankees pitcher found dead of an apparent suicide on Wednesday in Rancho Palos Verdes, was remembered Friday night by his famous teammates and honored with a moment of silence at Yankee Stadium before a game against Baltimore, notes the Associated Press.
A photo of Irabu "tipping his cap to the crowd" was displayed on the video board in center field and the Yankees remembered him as "a talented pitcher who was fun to be around."
In a note to the AP on Friday, Los Angeles County Assistant Coroner Chief Ed Winter said the 42-year-old died by hanging himself, and that "the mode was suicide." Irabu did not leave a note, he said. An autopsy was performed Friday and toxicology results are expected to take six to eight weeks.
"It's really devastating. I got to know him real well," longtime Yankees star Jorge Posada said. "A guy that came out here with a lot riding on his shoulders, but he did a hell of a job for us. Tough times." "I was caught off guard, to say the least," Derek Jeter said. "Irabu was fun. He didn't speak a lot of English, but he probably knew more than he led you guys to believe."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
