GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Munetaka Murakami is all about baseball. All the time.
In a recent interview with MLB.com, the power-packed first baseman from Japan was asked if he’s been able to do anything fun outside of his Spring Training work in Arizona. Murakami, through interpreter Kenzo Yagi, pointed to the diamond.
“Truth be told, I’m only focusing on baseball at the moment,” Murakami said. “Nothing attractive. Whatever I can do to help the team win, this is my only goal.”
That sort of laser-like focus is expected from a player who accomplished so much in Japan at the young age of 26. It’s the sort of regimented routine witnessed in so many top-notch Major League talents.
Whether it’s an 0-for-20 funk or 10-for-20 run, there are no wholesale changes. Believe in the program.
“Yes, I try to be strict on myself as much as possible,” Murakami said. “Going to get massages after a game, eating healthy, looking at nutrition, just to help my game every day.”
“Fabulous. Wonderful. Coachable. Work ethic off the charts,” said Hall of Famer Jim Thome, who also serves as special assistant to general manager Chris Getz, of Murakami. “He’s fundamentally sound. Loves to play. For me, it’s been a joy to kind of interact but more so really the thought of even getting to know him better, right?”
Murakami clearly has a fun-loving demeanor, as evidenced by his humorous takes on the bidets being added to the Rate Field home clubhouse, per his request upon signing. Let’s not forget the pair of symbolic white socks he pulled from his sport coat pocket during his introductory press conference in Chicago.
Baseball clearly is serious business for Murakami, as is the preparation for success. Manager Will Venable and White Sox coaches have echoed Thome’s sentiment regarding Murakami’s work ethic, taking the challenges of adjusting to a new league, a new culture and going well beyond what has been asked.
“If the coaches say I’m going over the challenges, I feel that it’s something appreciated, but I don’t feel like that at the moment,” Murakami said. “I’m going through every single day with my full force and try to get that each day, my max potential, so I can help the team win.”
“He’s certainly taking it seriously, like all these guys do. When it’s time to play baseball, he’s very serious,” Venable said. “But there is definitely a lighter side to Mune. He’s got a big personality, funny dude and definitely likes to joke around with the guys. Time and place for everything, but he’s doing a great job being locked in on the field.”
In going back to the nutrition part of his approach, Murakami smiled and added cheat days are allowed. Suggestions of pizza or sweets received a “no” from Murakami in terms of that cheat food, so what is his outside the diet selection?
“Ramen noodles,” said Murakami. “If it’s cheat day, it’s Ramen noodles.”
And if it’s not a cheat day?
“Fruits,” Murakami said. “Vegetables.”
Venable indicated Murakami will be in the lineup Thursday, before departing to join Team Japan to defend its World Baseball Classic title. Murakami finished 1-for-3 during Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the Reds.
Losing their first baseman for possibly three weeks to the WBC doesn’t worry the White Sox. Not with the work put in by Murakami in Arizona and the commitment to continued excellence when he returns.
The WBC was part of Murakami’s agreement when he joined the White Sox via a two-year, $34 million free agent deal. His excitement for the process hasn’t changed.
“It’s everything to me,” Murakami said of the WBC.
His feelings appear to be the same for the White Sox. It’s still a bit of a surprise Murakami ended up on the South Side, a surprise thoroughly embraced by an excited fan base.
“I’m very happy that he picked the White Sox where I used to play,” said Tadahito Iguchi, in camp Wednesday as a media member for NHK Japan but also a key component with the 2005 White Sox World Series champions. “We are looking forward to what the Japanese fans will get to know with the White Sox more often. They are going to pay attention to Murakami. He’s one of the best sluggers in Japan.”
“I’ve really never imagined to be here to be honest,” said Murakami, who began thinking about playing in the Majors in ‘22. “It could have been any team, but the White Sox was the team for me, and that’s something that's destiny. I hope to build on that career moving forward. I’m just very happy that the fans are very supportive. I just hope I can return [it] back by winning games.”