First impressions are everything, and Munetaka Murakami, the Chicago White Sox's new signing from Japan, almost didn't get to make his. Traffic nearly kept him from the Spring Training opener on Friday, thanks to an unexpected accident on the highway.
Murakami shared his concerns through interpreter Kenzo Yagi, noting, “I was so concerned if I could make it on time. I was actually in the car until 12:50, just 15 minutes before the first pitch.”
Despite the rush, Murakami quickly found his rhythm. His first at-bat resulted in a ground out, likely still shaking off the stress of the commute.
But he didn't take long to make an impact. In his next at-bat, he smashed a single at a blistering 108.3 mph off the bat.
Then, he followed up with a deep drive to center, clocking in at 105.5 mph, for a two-run double.
White Sox manager Will Venable was full of praise for Murakami after the game, stating, “You've got to give Mune a lot of credit. This guy is so committed and such a professional. We've asked him to do some things that he hasn't necessarily been accustomed to, and how he prepares and his adaptability and flexibility to do those things has been awesome.”
The plan is to rest Murakami on Saturday and get him back in action on Sunday. If this debut is anything to go by, Murakami seems more than ready to tackle whatever challenges come his way.