Former Yankees Pitcher Hideki Irabu Dead at 42

Former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu has died in California at the age of 42 in a possible suicide.

Irabu, who was half-Japanese, pitched with mixed success in the 1990s for the Yanks, Expos and Rangers. He retired from the big leagues in 2002.

Over his career, he finished with a 34-35 record and a 5.15 ERA.

His most dubious claim to fame might have been when former Yankee owner George Steinbrenner described him as a “fat toad.”

Since retiring, Irabu has had periodic run-ins with the law involving alcohol.

Last year, he was arrested for drunk driving in Gardena, Calif.

In 2008, Irabu assaulted a bar manager in Japan after his credit card was denied. The ex-ballplayer reportedly consumed 20 glasses of beer before the altercation.