Munetaka Murakami's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Munetaka Murakami.

Munetaka Murakami is a Japanese professional baseball infielder currently playing for the Chicago White Sox of MLB. He previously played for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in NPB. Known as "Murakami-sama," a nickname meaning "god," which became Japan's word of the year in 2022, he gained popularity for his exceptional batting performance.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1958: Seikichi Nishioka's Record

In 1958, Seikichi Nishioka set a record as the youngest Swallows player to start in the season opening game at 21 years old.

1977: Sadaharu Oh wins MVP

In 1977, Sadaharu Oh won the Central League MVP in a unanimous vote.

1986: Randy Bass wins Triple Crown

In 1986, Randy Bass of the Hanshin Tigers won the Triple Crown.

2004: Nobuhiko Matsunaka wins Triple Crown

In 2004, Nobuhiko Matsunaka of the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks won the NPB Triple Crown.

2011: Tetsuto Yamada's Accomplishment

In June 2011, Tetsuto Yamada, a Swallows rookie, achieved League MVP of the month by batting .315 and driving in 14 runs.

2013: Masahiro Tanaka wins MVP

In 2013, Masahiro Tanaka won the Central League MVP in a unanimous vote.

2019: Breakout Season and Rookie of the Year Award

2019 was Munetaka Murakami's breakout season, earning him the CL Rookie of the Year Award, selection to the Japan national baseball team, and a spot in the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. He also became the youngest Swallows player to start in the season opening game, and broke the NPB RBI record for high school-drafted players in their second season. He hit 36 home runs, tying the NPB home-run record for second-year rookies, and finished with 96 RBIs.

2021: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2021, Munetaka Murakami won an Olympic gold medal representing Japan in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

2021: Central League MVP and Japan Series Title

In 2021, Munetaka Murakami won the Central League MVP award. He had 39 home runs and 112 RBIs. He also helped the Tokyo Yakult Swallows capture their first Japan Series title after 20 years by hitting two home runs.

October 3, 2022: Breaks Home Run Record

On October 3, 2022, Munetaka Murakami hit his 56th home run of the season, breaking Sadaharu Oh's record for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player. He also became the youngest player to win the NPB Triple Crown at 22 years, eight months, and one day old at the conclusion of the 2022 regular season.

2022: Word of the Year

In 2022, Munetaka Murakami's nickname "Murakami-sama" was selected as Japan's word of the year.

2023: World Baseball Classic Performance

In 2023, Munetaka 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. Japan won the championship game 3–2.