"Six others besides me used drugs." Former Japanese player, wrongly expelled, transforms into TikTok influencer collecting "star balloons" instead of reflecting, saying, "I want to play baseball again."

*This content was translated by AI.

Ryutaro Hatsuki (25), a former Hiroshima Toyo Carp player who was convicted of drug-related charges and expelled from professional baseball, has emerged as a social media influencer, expressing his desire to return to the sport.

Japan's "Weekly Women's Prime" reported on the 1st that "Hatsuki, who was convicted amid a drug scandal, recently shared updates via TikTok live broadcasts, attracting over 150,000 followers."

Hatsuki was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for three years, on charges of administering etomidate, a designated drug commonly known as "zombie cigarettes." During a broadcast last month, he revealed that "six active players, including myself, purchased drugs from the same seller," indirectly expressing his sense of injustice at being the only one expelled.

Currently residing at his grandparents' home in Miyazaki Prefecture, Hatsuki regularly goes live every day to communicate with viewers. The media reported that "some netizens expressed appreciation for his unfiltered responses, delivered with a regional accent."

Hatsuki, who refers to himself as "unemployed," also shared his struggles in re-entering society. He applied to 15 part-time jobs through a recruitment app and even underwent AI video interviews, but was rejected from all. Hatsuki remarked, "It's too difficult to even get hired for a part-time job, let alone keep one," realizing firsthand the lack of social experience due to having played baseball his entire life.

He also addressed the controversy surrounding his profile photo. Regarding allegations of concealment after he posted a photo with the team logo unnaturally removed, he explained, "I removed the logo myself because I didn't want to cause any further trouble for the team. My love for baseball is genuine."

Finally, Hatsuki announced via broadcast that he is preparing for new challenges by accepting donations from fans. He stated, "I sincerely want to play baseball again. If there is a place that wants me, I will consider joining the independent league or playing overseas."

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*This content was translated by AI.