Ironically you are correct [0]. Sakurais health has become a bit of a meme in the Super Smash Bros. community over the last few years. I can't be 100% sure that his issues were related to track-ball-programming or not but I am sure it didn't help.

[0] http://www.polygon.com/2013/2/27/4035046/why-masahiro-sakura...