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First impressions are important.
The Chicago White Sox new free agent signing from Japan, Munetaka Murakami, nearly missed his entirely.
You see, Murakami almost didn't show up on time for Chicago's Spring Training opener on Friday. He was stuck in traffic.
Apparently an accident caused a delay.
“I was so concerned if I could make it on time,” he said through interpreter Kenzo Yagi, via MLB.com. “There was a big accident on the highway, and I was just concerned the whole time. I was actually in the car until 12:50 [15 minutes before first pitch].”
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In his first at bat, Murakami grounded out. Still probably remembering he was playing in a baseball game.
His next time up, he ripped a single at 108.3 miles per hour off the bat.
His third time, he hit a drive deep to center at 105.5 miles per hour for a two-run double.
“You've got to give Mune a lot of credit,” White Sox manager Will Venable said postgame, via MLB.com. “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 White Sox plan to give Murakami the day off on Saturday before getting him back in the lineup Sunday.
If this first appearance is any indication, Murakami will be able to handle whatever is thrown at him.
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