This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/23/2019
The arrival of the late Hideki Irabu to the Major Leagues was not without much controversy. The Japan-born pitcher spent the first nine years of his professional career starring in Japan before the San Diego Padres purchased his contract in 1997. Irabu only wanted to wear pinstripes, so the Yankees were able to negotiate a trade to bring the 6' 4", 240-lb. flame-thrower to the Bronx. Fallout from this particular outcome would lead to the MLB's current posting system for acquiring Japanese players.
Presented here is a game used baseball from Irabu's highly publicized MLB debut on July 10, 1997 at Yankee Stadium. The game drew almost twice as many fans as the Yankees averaged on weeknights. And the big righty did not disappoint, going 6-2/3 innings against Detroit and allowing two runs on five hits with nine strikeouts to get the win in his first ever start. Umpiring second base that evening was Al Clark, who was able to procure this game ball. Clark has signed the sweet spot of the well-soiled OAL (Budig) ball in 8/10 black ballpoint with "A.L. Ump 2nd Base Ump #24" inscribed alongside. He has notated the north panel "Game Used Yankee Stadium 7/10/97 Hideki Irabu Debut Yanks-10 Tigers-3."
Irabu had double-digit win seasons in 1998 and '99, helping the Yanks win the World Series each year. Unfortunately, he could not tame his off-the-field struggles and was out of baseball by 2003. Tragically, Irabu took his own life in 2011 after battling depression and alcoholism.
Full LOA from Beckett (A07754)