Former Dodgers Star’s Son Arrested for Watch Fraud, June 11

Aichi police arrested Daiki Yamazaki, 29, on June 9 on fraud charges. He allegedly deceived a Tokyo company executive into surrendering a luxury watch worth 6.85 million yen by falsely promising to sell it at overseas auction. Yamazaki is the son of Takeshi Yamazaki, a former slugger for the Chunichi Dragons who hit 403 career home runs. Police are investigating related fraud complaints involving 70 million yen in watches.

How the Fraud Scheme Worked

In November 2024, Daiki Yamazaki met a 65-year-old company executive through a mutual acquaintance. Yamazaki told the man he could sell his watch at high prices through overseas auctions. The man handed over one watch valued at 6.85 million yen. When payment never arrived, the executive questioned Yamazaki, who claimed he had already sold the watch at a pawn shop in Nagoya. Police say multiple victims reported similar watch fraud involving approximately 70 million yen in total losses.

Father’s Statement and Investigation

Takeshi Yamazaki released a statement through his lawyer on June 10, saying he had lost contact with his son around February 2025 and had no knowledge of his activities. “I am in a state of shock and cannot find words,” Yamazaki said. He acknowledged criticism of his parenting but noted his son is 29 years old and an adult. Yamazaki pledged to cooperate fully with police and asked media to exercise restraint during the investigation.

Career Impact and Public Response

Takeshi Yamazaki played for the Chunichi Dragons, Orix Buffaloes, and Rakuten Eagles. He won two home run titles and one RBI title during his career. The arrest forced the Hokkaido Culture Broadcasting network to replace him as a scheduled commentator for a June 12 baseball game between the Nippon Ham Fighters and Chunichi Dragons. The network replaced Yamazaki with former Japan Ham catcher Shinya Tsuruoka.

Final Thoughts

Daiki Yamazaki faces fraud charges for deceiving a businessman out of a 6.85 million yen watch. Police are investigating at least seven related cases involving 70 million yen in total losses. His father, former baseball star Takeshi Yamazaki, says he had no contact with his son since February 2025.

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