Former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu returns to Japan with big goals

Pitcher Irabu returns to Japan with big goals

KOCHI, Japan —Former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu was introduced as the newest member of the Kochi Fighting Dogs on Monday, saying his ultimate goal is a return to Japan’s top professional league.

“As long as I’m playing, I’ll aim for Japan’s top league,” the 40-year-old right-hander said at a media conference. “I have high expectations for myself.”

The Fighting Dogs are part of the six-team independent Shikoku-Kyushu Island League and Irabu is expected to make his first start on Aug. 23. The regular season lasts until the end of September.

Irabu signed with the Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League in April and posted a 5-3 record with an ERA of 3.58. He made 10 starts with 65 innings pitched and struck out 66 batters while walking only 19.

Irabu started his career with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan’s Pacific League and joined the Yankees in 1997 on a $12.8 million, four-year contract.

After three seasons with the Yankees, Irabu played for the Montreal Expos and Texas Rangers before returning to Japan to play for the Hanshin Tigers in 2003, helping the team win the Central League pennant before being released in 2004.

A year ago, he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a bartender after drinking 20 mugs of beer at a bar in Osaka. Police said he admitted to the assault.

Irabu was the proprietor of a fast-food noodle shop in suburban Los Angeles before playing for Long Beach.