Munetaka Murakami is a Japanese professional baseball infielder currently playing for the Chicago White Sox in MLB. Previously, he played for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in NPB. Known as "Murakami-sama," a nickname bestowed by fans signifying his exceptional abilities akin to a god, this moniker became Japan's word of the year in 2022, highlighting his significant impact and popularity in Japanese baseball.
7 hours ago : Munetaka Murakami Hits Home Run During His Own Bobblehead Celebration Day
White Sox star Munetaka Murakami ended his home run drought by hitting a home run in his first at-bat during his dedicated bobblehead promotional night, gaining significant attention for the unique collaboration.
1958: Seikichi Nishioka's Record
In 1958, Seikichi Nishioka set the record for the youngest Swallows player to start in the season opening game at 21 years old, which Murakami beat in 2019.
1977: Sadaharu Oh Unanimous MVP
In 1977, Sadaharu Oh was the first position player to win the MVP ballot unanimously before Murakami.
1986: Randy Bass's Triple Crown
In 1986, Randy Bass of the Hanshin Tigers won the Central League Triple Crown, the first one before Murakami.
February 2, 2000: Munetaka Murakami's Birth
On February 2, 2000, Munetaka Murakami was born. He is a Japanese professional baseball infielder.
2004: Nobuhiko Matsunaka's Triple Crown
In 2004, Nobuhiko Matsunaka of the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks won the NPB Triple Crown, the first one before Murakami.
2011: Tetsuto Yamada's Rookie Achievement
In 2011, Tetsuto Yamada, a Swallows rookie, achieved a League MVP of the month, the last one before Murakami.
2013: Masahiro Tanaka Unanimous MVP
In 2013, Masahiro Tanaka was the first player to win the MVP ballot unanimously before Murakami.
2015: Koshien National Tournament
In 2015, Murakami's high school team made it to the Koshien national tournaments in his first year but were defeated in the first round.
2017: Drafted into NPB
In 2017, Murakami was drafted in the first round of the NPB Draft by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Yomiuri Giants and the Rakuten Golden Eagles, and was signed by the Swallows.
2019: Breakout Season and Rookie of the Year
2019 was Murakami's breakout season where he earned a spot on the Japan national baseball team, became the youngest Swallows player to start in the season opening game, got voted into his first All-Star Game, broke records, and was awarded the 2019 CL Rookie of the Year Award.
October 3, 2022: Breaking Home Run Record and Winning Triple Crown
On October 3, 2022, Murakami hit his 56th home run of the season, breaking Sadaharu Oh's record for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player, and he won the NPB Triple Crown.
2022: Contract Extension
After the 2022 season, Murakami signed a three-year contract extension with the Swallows.
2022: High Batting Average
In 2022, Murakami's batting average was .318, before declining in subsequent years.
2022: Word of the Year
In 2022, Murakami's nickname "Murakami-sama" was given by fans and was Japan's word of the year.
2023: World Baseball Classic
In 2023, Murakami represented Japan in the World Baseball Classic. He hit a walk-off two-run double in the semifinal against Mexico and led off the final against the USA with a home run.
2023: Decline in Batting Average
In 2023, Murakami's batting average went down to .256.
2024: Further Decline in Batting Average
In 2024, Murakami's batting average further declined to .244.
November 7, 2025: Official Posting to MLB
On November 7, 2025, Murakami was officially posted to Major League Baseball.
November 8, 2025: Negotiating Window Begins
On November 8, 2025, a 45-day negotiating window began for Murakami to sign with an MLB team.
December 21, 2025: Signing with the Chicago White Sox
On December 21, 2025, Murakami signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball.
2025: Oblique Injury and Return
In 2025, Murakami suffered an oblique injury in spring training, returned on April 17, re-aggravated the injury, and returned again on July 29.
2025: MLB Posting
The contract extension signed after the 2022 season stipulates that the Swallows must post Murakami to MLB after the 2025 season.
March 26, 2026: MLB Debut
On March 26, 2026, Murakami made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox.
April 17, 2026: First Major League Grand Slam
On April 17, 2026, Murakami hit his first major league grand slam over the batter's eye at Sutter Health Park.
2026: 2026 World Baseball Classic
In 2026, Murakami joined team Japan for the World Baseball Classic. He hit a grand slam against Czechia in pool play.
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