Much has been written and reported since the Feb. 2 arrest of former Seibu Lions, Yomiuri Giants and Orix Buffaloes superstar slugger Kazuhiro Kiyohara for possession and use of illegal drugs. "It's a shame," "What a waste" and "I can't believe it" are typical words of reaction expressed by ex-teammates of Kiyohara and others from the world of Japanese baseball.
What is really a shame is that Kiyohara, a gifted high school athlete who turned pro in 1986, did not need to bulk up.
As a 19-year-old rookie, he belted 31 home runs in helping the Lions win the Japan Series over the Hiroshima Carp. He did that with a slim and trim body, supplying all the power he needed with a sweet batting swing, strong wrist action and great timing.