Munetaka Murakami has enjoyed a record-breaking start to his career with the Chicago White Sox. His form has placed him among the top hitters in Major League Baseball.
Murakami hit a home run in the ninth inning of the season opener against the Milwaukee Brewers. It was a sign of things to come for the two-time Nippon Professional Baseball Japanese Central League Most Valuable Player.
Leading the Majors in Home Runs
Murakami ended April sharing the major-league lead with 12 home runs. He is level with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros.
Speaking on April 22, Murakami said he is focusing on day to day performance. He added that he needs to stay humble and keep doing what he’s doing.
Manager Will Venable has been impressed with Murakami’s first month. “Probably about as good as it gets,” he said on Wednesday, praising his defence and base running as well as his hitting.
Venable added, “I can’t imagine him being any better than what he’s been doing. And then obviously all the stuff at the plate, with the plate discipline and the power. This guy has been amazing. So as good a first month as you can have in the big leagues.”
Breaking Records in Chicago
Murakami’s 12 home runs in March/April are the most in White Sox history. This breaks the previous record of 11, held by Paul Konerko in 2010.
It’s also the most in Major League Baseball history by a rookie in March/April. He also holds the MLB record for a Japanese-born player in his first 31 games.
Memorable Home Runs
Hitting coach Derek Shomon struggled to pick a favourite Murakami home run. He mentioned the grand slam against Athletics pitcher Elvis Alvarado and another against Jeffrey Springs.
Shomon said the grand slam that went over the batter’s eye was “pretty sick”. He also highlighted the one against Springs where Murakami “posted up for a second”.
Venable described Murakami’s go-ahead three-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels as “maybe the most timely” of the 12.
Five Games with a Home Run
Murakami’s grand slam against the Athletics started a run of five consecutive games with a home run. This matched the White Sox record, shared by several players.
- A.J. Pierzynski (2012)
- Konerko (2011)
- Carlos Lee (2003)
- Frank Thomas (twice in 1994)
- Ron Kittle (1983)
- Greg Luzinski (1983)
Murakami became the 13th rookie in MLB history to go deep in five straight games. He is the second White Sox rookie to achieve the feat.
Murakami’s manager described him as must-watch TV. His grand slam against the Athletics began a stretch of five consecutive games with a home run.