History of Munetaka Murakami in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 2, 2026

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

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.

2020: Tokyo 2020 Olympics

In 2020, Murakami was selected to represent Japan in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021).

2021: Tokyo 2020 Olympics

In 2021, Murakami represented Japan in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) and won a gold medal in the baseball event.

2021: Central League MVP and Japan Series Title

In 2021, Murakami won the Central League MVP award and helped the Tokyo Yakult Swallows capture their first Japan Series title after 20 years.

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.