Caught Trying to Sneak Two Cans of Alcohol... Turns Out to Be Legendary Pro Baseball Pitcher with 350 Wins [Japanese Side]

Tetsuya Yoneda Arrested on Theft Charges
Caught Stealing Two Cans of Chuhai and Causing a Disturbance
Financial Hardships After Retirement Due to Failed Business
Controversy Grows Over Serial Theft and Unpaid Rent

In Japan, there was a recent stir over the news that a legendary pitcher who recorded 350 career wins in professional baseball was arrested by the police. The fact that the cause was related to alcohol added to the sadness. Today, we bring you the story of Tetsuya Yoneda, who went from a legendary pitcher to a suspect.

A professional baseball star Yoneda caught by the store manager while stealing two cans of Chuhai at a supermarket. The photo shows Chuhai. Photo by TBS.

On the 25th of last month, Japanese media reported that 87-year-old Mr. Yoneda, residing in Hyogo Prefecture, was arrested by the police. Born in 1938, Mr. Yoneda was caught stealing two cans of chuhai at a supermarket near his home. When confronted by the store manager, he tried to evade the situation, which escalated into a physical altercation. He even attempted to hit the manager with his cane before the police arrived and arrested him.

The news that a professional baseball giant was facing theft charges continued to be reported in Japan. Mr. Yoneda's record of 350 career wins ranks second in the history of Japanese professional baseball. He joined the Hankyu Braves in 1956 and immediately became their ace pitcher. The Hankyu Braves were the predecessor of the Orix Buffaloes. Over 22 seasons, he appeared in 949 games and earned accolades such as MVP, best ERA, and most strikeouts. Toward the end of his career, he also played for the Hanshin Tigers and the now-defunct Kintetsu Buffaloes. In any case, he was a major figure who played for top league teams in Japan.

The appearance of Tetsuya Yoneda during his active career. Japan Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

According to follow-up investigations by Japanese media, this was not Mr. Yoneda's first such incident. Neighbors testified that earlier this year, he had stolen items from a drugstore near his home, and two weeks after the recent incident, he was caught stealing again at a local convenience store. When a neighbor said "Thank you for your efforts" to him after he was released from custody, he even smiled. All the items he stole at those times were reportedly alcohol.

It is said that he loved alcohol very much even during his active career. The nickname "Gasoline Tank," which came from his monstrous stamina, actually had a dual meaning because he was known for drinking a lot.

So how did he end up committing theft? After retiring from active play, Mr. Yoneda worked as a coach for the Hanshin Tigers and Orix Buffaloes, the teams he had been affiliated with, and also worked as a TV commentator, continuing his activities. His situation was reportedly good at that time. However, after retiring, he ran a pub but failed in business, accumulating debt. Due to unpaid taxes, the house he lived in was seized and sold at auction. After moving, he was evicted for not paying rent and ended up moving into a rented house costing 50,000 yen (about 490,000 KRW) per month.

Photo of Yoneda registered in the Japan Former Professional Baseball Players Association "Meikyukai". Meikyukai.

He paid rent only for the first year and has been in arrears for eight years since. The landlord said, "When we signed the lease, his occupation was listed as a baseball commentator, so I realized he was the Yoneda player I knew." The landlord added, "I keep urging him to pay, but he always insists that if I wait a little longer, he will receive 5 million yen (about 49.33 million KRW) from his business earnings." Fortunately, since the landlord is a baseball fan, no lawsuits have been filed.

Moreover, the fact that he stole chuhai, of all alcoholic beverages, also gives insight into his financial situation. Chuhai is a distilled liquor mixed with carbonated water and comes in various types. Especially, "strong chuhai" with over 8% alcohol content is cheaper than beer but has a higher alcohol percentage, making it a cost-effective drink that quickly intoxicates. For this reason, it has been criticized for increasing alcohol dependence among economically disadvantaged people.

What is "Strong Chuhai"?

A Sankei Sports column stated, "While causes such as financial hardship, social isolation, and dementia can be considered for thefts by elderly people, how could a former great pitcher steal canned chuhai... Such disgraceful news is truly hard to accept for the generation that knows his active career."

Yoneda's plaque displayed in the Hall of Fame at the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

However, neighbors also testified that when a nearby middle school student asked Mr. Yoneda for advice on how to continue playing baseball in high school, he said, "I will talk to a prestigious baseball high school I know," and personally looked into it. He was also always seen carrying a baseball cap, showing his continued love for baseball. The fall of a legend is indeed a bittersweet sight.