Chicago White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakamai reintroduced himself to MLB fans in an alcohol-fueled clubhouse interview.
After the Sox eliminated the Houston Astros in Game 2 of their best-of-three American League wild-card series on Wednesday, Sept. 30, Murakami was a popular target for video interviews.
The rookie from Japan did not disappoint.
MORE: Astros pitcher booed in wild-card loss to White Sox rips ‘spoiled’ fans
“I’m drunk. I’m drunk. Yesterday, maybe hung over,” he said. “No, not yesterday, tomorrow. Sorry, I don’t speak English.”
It wasn’t the first time Murakami went viral after giving a postgame interview in his second language.
When the White Sox clinched a postseason berth on Sept. 24, Murakami was the star of the clubhouse celebration, saying—in emphatic broken English—”I am Japanese!”
MORE: Japanese baseball team announces shocking death of 19-year-old prospect
The 26-year-old went 1-for-8 with a walk and an RBI in the two games against the Astros. During the regular season, Murakami hit 35 home runs, drove in 77 runs and put himself into the Rookie of the Year conversation for the overachieving White Sox.
Turnaround season
After losing more than 100 games each of the last three years, Chicago clinched an AL wild-card berth and nearly finished first in the Central division with an 84-78 record.
Murakami was one of the catalysts in his first MLB season, having signed a two-year, $34 million contract. While his boom-or-bust hitting profile dissuaded some teams from showing him the money, the White Sox’s investment paid off quickly.
MORE: Pope Leo XIV sends message to White Sox before MLB postseason
The White Sox weren’t expected to make the postseason in 2026, let alone win a series. Now they’re happily playing with house money—and picking up new fans along the way.
Murakami is a major part of the reason why.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —