Former SoftBank Catcher Arrested Again for Drunken Assault—Troubling Reputation Emerges

A former professional baseball player once expected to become a future starting catcher has been arrested again.

On November 7, the Aichi Prefectural Police’s Nakagawa Station arrested Ayatsugu Yamashita (32)—formerly with the SoftBank Hawks and currently unemployed—on suspicion of obstructing official duties. He is accused of pushing and kicking a male paramedic with both hands.

“Around 11 p.m. on the 7th, Yamashita was extremely intoxicated at an izakaya in Nakagawa Ward, Nagoya. After an employee called 119 saying, ‘A customer drank too much and is feeling unwell,’ paramedics arrived. Yamashita apparently became upset at being treated as a drunk patient and shoved a paramedic in his 50s, leading to his arrest in the act.

During police questioning, he denied the allegations, saying, ‘I don’t know. I didn’t do anything.’” (national newspaper social affairs reporter)

This is not Yamashita’s first arrest. In December 2024, he was arrested for possession of cocaine in violation of the Narcotics Control Act. He was convicted and is currently on probation, making this a probation-violation rearrest.

FRIDAY Digital conducted an in-depth investigation into Yamashita immediately after his cocaine incident. We would now like to revisit the dark rumors that circulated about him even during his playing days, despite being once considered a rising star.

Are you serious?

Yamashita was selected in the first round of the 2010 professional baseball draft by the SoftBank Hawks. Since his days at Narashino High School (Chiba), he had drawn attention as a power-hitting catcher.

“Amazingly, the same year Yamashita was drafted, SoftBank also picked up Yuki Yanagita in the second round, and Takuya Kai and Kodai Senga as developmental players. It was what we now call a jackpot year for the Hawks. Among them, Yamashita’s batting sense and arm strength stood out even in high school. His power, his ability to square up the ball—those were already at a professional level.” (sports newspaper reporter)

However, from the beginning, Yamashita was said to lack the mindset expected of a pro.

“In short, he was careless and unserious. He would casually speak to veterans in a familiar tone, saying things like, ‘Are you serious?’ without hesitation. He frequently mixed up meeting times and showed up late to practice. Even when throwing the ball back to the pitcher, he often lobbed it back casually, showing no intensity.

He was the complete opposite of Kai, another catcher, who would say ‘I’m not very good,’ then train from early morning, covered in dirt. SoftBank already had a strict system with a third team at that time, and yet Yamashita repeatedly acted in ways that made people shake their heads—such as openly showing dissatisfaction with umpires’ calls. He gradually became isolated within the team.” (same source)

His talent was exceptional, and that’s what makes it so tragic

Despite high expectations, Yamashita failed to produce results. In the 2017 offseason, he was traded from SoftBank to Rakuten. In November 2020, he was released. After signing a developmental contract with the Chunichi Dragons, he violated team rules during the height of COVID-19 in the summer of 2021 by going out to eat—resulting in 10 days of home suspension.
He retired at the end of 2022.

“After retiring, there were rumors that he had started hanging around with antisocial individuals. I also heard that acquaintances encouraged him to try illegal drugs, and that’s how he started using them. He had extraordinary talent—truly one of a kind. It’s such a waste.” (another sports newspaper reporter)

Former Kanagawa Prefectural Police detective and crime journalist Taihei Ogawa explains:

“He may have felt frustration or a sense of unfulfillment because he couldn’t achieve success in the world he admired—professional baseball. But that doesn’t justify repeated criminal acts.

A former pro baseball coach once told me: ‘Talent alone isn’t enough to succeed in the pros. You must constantly study your opponents and yourself, and continuously train efficiently.’

Yamashita likely rested on the prestige of being a first-round draft pick and lacked humility. He couldn’t discipline himself. He’s still in his early 30s—very young. I hope he discards his pride as a former pro athlete, reflects deeply, and finds a way to restart his life as a member of society.”

Because this latest crime was committed while he was on probation, Yamashita is expected to receive a prison sentence, and will likely spend time behind bars confronting himself.