Ryota Igarashi Joins Yakult OB Motorcycle Club After Career Ban

The “Tokyo Yakult Motorcycle Club” (referred to as “Rindan”) is made up of former Yakult players. The club’s activities were covered in FRIDAY (October 18-25, 2024 issue). The reporter who conducted the interview is also a motorcycle enthusiast, having been a part of a touring club during his student days. With a passionate perspective, the reporter revisits the motorcycle-loving activities of the Yakult Rindan, having spent half a day with them.

The information about the “Yakult Rindan” planning a tour on September 17th reached the reporter during the peak of the lingering summer heat. The group was set to meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Ishikawa Parking Area on the Chuo Expressway (Hachioji City, Tokyo). Arriving slightly early, the reporter found seven large motorcycles already gathered. At an outdoor table, a group of large men was chatting. In the center was Koichi Nishizawa (61), a former pitcher and the founder of the club.

Then, the deep rumble of an engine echoed as a huge BMW R18 arrived.

“Sorry, got caught in traffic.”

Said Ryota Igarashi (45), former MLB player and now a baseball commentator, who showed up in a half cap and T-shirt. Igarashi, once called the Kimutaku of the baseball world, had challenged the MLB from Yakult, playing for teams such as the New York Mets and the Yankees. After returning to Japan, he played for his former team, Yakult, until the end of the 2020 season, retiring from professional baseball.

“It’s because FRIDAY is here.”

Due to Shohei Ohtani’s performance with the Dodgers, “Iggy” (Ryota Igarashi) is busier than ever, to the point where there isn’t a day on TV without him. Despite having precious time off, his passion for motorcycling is evident as he wants to spend time touring with his friends.

At the parking lot, there were heavily customized Harleys like the ‘Softail’ and a popular Japanese classic, the Kawasaki Zephyr 1100 Modified. Other bikes like ‘Triumph’ and ‘Honda Rebel’ lined up as well. Most of the bikes were large, so the reporter joined on his 40-year-old ‘Suzuki GSX1000S Katana’, trying to keep up with the pace. He was handed a ‘Yakult Ringdan’ sticker, and together with the group, they headed to Shiraito Falls in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Shifting off the Chuo Expressway, they descended onto the East Fuji Five Lakes Road, and as they got onto the national highway, the heat seemed to intensify. The group strictly adhered to the legal speed limit of 50 km/h, emphasizing safety. Despite feeling the wind, the riders, dressed in safety-focused gear, felt like they were standing in front of an air conditioning unit. Igarashi, riding with his T-shirt flowing in the breeze, seemed to be enjoying the ride, and the reporter couldn’t help but envy him.

–You’re very focused on safe driving. Is this something you usually keep in mind?

“It’s because FRIDAY is here,” one of the members laughs.

 

“I made up my mind before I retired.”

During a break, the group took a pit stop at the Narisawa Roadside Station. Here, I captured a shot of the main star, Mr. Igarashi, posing on his tough-looking 1800cc motorcycle. The scar on his right elbow, a reminder of the Tommy John surgery he underwent in 2006, similar to Shohei Ohtani’s, stood out. Mr. Igarashi shared:

“What I always wanted to experience during my playing days were motorcycles and skiing. These two hobbies were strictly forbidden for athletes because they are so risky. So, before I retired, I decided to go to driving school and get my large motorcycle license.”

True to his word, Mr. Igarashi fulfilled both of these dreams.

The group arrived at their destination, Shiraito Falls, at 11 AM. The heat of Tokyo was replaced by the refreshing air of this peaceful oasis, perfect for absorbing negative ions. They took a group photo, then enjoyed the famous local B-grade dish, Fujinomiya Yakisoba, at a nearby restaurant.

“Since staying overnight during regional tours is often difficult, most of our trips are ‘day trips.’ I’ve even gone to Odawara with just ‘Tomochan’ to have seafood,” shared one of the members.

“Tomochan” is none other than Tomohito Ito, former high-speed slider and now a pitching coach for Yakult, who is also part of the group.

After an early lunch, they left Shiraito Falls before noon and reached their final stop, the Ashigara Service Area on the Tomei Expressway, around 3 PM. The total distance covered was approximately 300 kilometers. A short but fulfilling half-day tour. While the reporter was exhausted, the members of the ‘Yakult Ringdan’ showed no signs of fatigue. Instead, their faces radiated satisfaction, making it clear they had thoroughly enjoyed their brief holiday ride.