Murakami's Debut: Butterflies & Bombs! What Will Happen Next?!

Fighting Traffic And 'Butterflies,' Murakami Impresses In Spring Training Debut

Murakami's Debut: Butterflies & Bombs! What Will H...

Chicago White Sox fans got their first glimpse of what could be a very bright future on Friday, as Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami delivered a solid performance in his Cactus League debut. Murakami, who inked a two-year, $34 million deal with the rebuilding White Sox in December, collected two hits and drove in two runs. Not a bad way to start, especially considering the circumstances surrounding his arrival to camp.

Apparently, Murakami's journey to the ballpark wasn't exactly smooth sailing. "There was a big, big accident on the highway," Murakami said through a translator, adding, "I was just concerned the whole time... To be really, really honest, I wasn't able to prepare fully, but I made it in time I think." Let's face it, anyone would be a bit rattled after dealing with that kind of stress right before a big debut. So, the fact that he shook it off as quickly as he did is a testament to his focus.

Despite the travel-related jitters, Murakami quickly found his rhythm. He singled up the middle in the third inning off a 91.9 mph sinker, registering a scorching 108.3 mph exit velocity. Then, in the fourth, with the bases loaded, he hit a ball to center field that Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki lost in the sun, resulting in a two-run double. Suzuki, in good humor, jokingly lamented the play, stating, "I loved him, but after the popup, I hate him. So I’m not going to support him." Classic baseball banter!

"I’m really happy how it went, without any injuries," Murakami said, summing up his debut nicely. "I had butterflies inside me the first few minutes of it. But after I started fielding and I got an at-bat, I felt a bit more comfortable and felt myself." That's the kind of statement that should ease the minds of White Sox fans. He seems grounded and ready to contribute.

Murakami wasn’t the only newcomer making noise on the first day of spring training games. Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso and Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado also homered for their new teams. Alonso, a hefty investment for the Orioles, launched a two-run shot, while Arenado went yard to lead off an inning. Meanwhile, Alex Bregman went 0-for-2 in his first game with the Cubs, but was optimistic about the season. All in all, it was an exciting day for fans across the league getting their first look at revamped rosters.

The White Sox are certainly hoping Murakami can provide a spark after a disappointing few years. His track record in Japan's Central League speaks for itself, and if he can translate even a portion of that success to the MLB, the South Side could be in for a treat.