Former Softbank catcher, cocaine use allegations.

“It was on a whim.”

When asked by the prosecutor about the reason for using illegal drugs, the defendant testified, saying, “It was on a whim,” and apologized, stating, “I deeply regret my actions.”

The trial took place on December 4 at the Nagoya District Court, where Yamashita Ayatsugu (32), who had been accused of violating the Narcotics Control Law (possession), was charged for storing cocaine at the bar he operated in the city’s Naka Ward.

“Yamashita is said to have possessed about 0.458 grams of powder containing cocaine inside the bar. He reportedly started using cocaine around March of this year after being encouraged by an acquaintance. Yamashita admitted to the charges, saying, ‘I have no objections.’ The prosecution has requested a sentence of one year in prison, and the case was concluded on the same day,” said a reporter specializing in legal affairs.

He casually used informal language, saying “Seriously?” to his seniors.

Yamashita, a former professional baseball player who was once highly anticipated, was drafted by the SoftBank Hawks as the first overall pick in the fall of 2010. Having been recognized as a power-hitting catcher since his time at Narashino High School (Chiba Prefecture), the athlete had a promising future. But what led him to get involved with illegal drugs? Let’s take a look at some of the troubling signs from his playing days.

“In the year Yamashita was drafted first overall, SoftBank had a golden year with the second pick securing Yuki Yanagita, and developmental picks bringing in Takuya Kai and Kodai Senga. Among them, Yamashita’s batting sense was exceptional, even from his high school days. His power and hitting ability were already at a professional level,” said a sports reporter.

However, Yamashita’s attitude had shown a lack of professionalism from the start.

“To put it simply, he was carefree. He would casually speak in informal language, saying things like ‘Seriously?’ to his seniors. He would frequently show up late for practice, even confusing the time for team meetings. His throws back to the pitchers were often lobbed, showing a lack of seriousness.

In contrast, Kai, another catcher, was training hard from early mornings, covered in mud, saying ‘I’m not good at this.’ Yamashita, however, seemed to stand out negatively in the team, especially since SoftBank had a strict management system with its three-team structure at the time. Yamashita frequently displayed obvious dissatisfaction with umpire calls and exhibited unprofessional behavior, which made him somewhat of an outcast within the team.” (Same reporter)

 

The rumors of Black Associations

Despite being highly anticipated, Yamashita failed to deliver results and was traded from SoftBank to Rakuten in the offseason of 2017. After receiving a notice of being cut in November 2020, he joined Chunichi, where he violated a ban on eating out during the summer of 2021 when COVID-19 was rampant, resulting in a 10-day self-quarantine. He retired from professional baseball after the 2022 offseason.

“Rumors of black associations have circulated about Yamashita, suggesting he was involved with people of questionable background. Upon hearing the news about his drug use, I thought, ‘It wouldn’t be surprising if it was Yamashita.’ He had unparalleled talent, and it’s such a waste.” (another sports reporter)

If only he had given up his complacency and trained desperately. Yamashita, who betrayed the expectations of fans and team leaders, now faces a period of deep reflection.