I will be providing advice on product development while promoting the appeal of Core Energy through its use in international matches and pennant races.”

Munetaka Murakami (村上 宗隆, Murakami Munetaka) is a professional Japanese baseball infielder in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, and is currently a key player for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

Murakami began his baseball journey at a young age and later made his debut at Kyushū Gakuin Integrated Highschool, where he showcased phenomenal slugging prowess by hitting 52 home runs. This earned him the nickname “Babe Ruth of Higo” due to his hometown’s former name, Kumamoto Prefecture.

In 2017, Murakami was drafted in the first round by Tokyo Yakult Swallows, quickly making his mark in the league. His breakout season came in 2019, when he became the youngest Swallows player to start in a season-opening game, earning various accolades including a spot in the All-Star Game and the CL Rookie of the Year Award. Continuing his outstanding performance in 2022, Murkami became the Central League MVP, setting records for home runs and RBIs by a Japanese player. That same year, he accomplished the remarkable feat of winning the Japanese Triple Crown, leading in batting average, home runs, and RBIs, establishing himself as one of the most dominant players in Japanese baseball history. Murakami's excellence extended internationally as well, representing Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and playing a crucial role in securing the championship title for his country.

Murkami’s talent, power-hitting, and consistent achievements have made him one of the brightest stars in Japanese baseball, as he continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the field.

STATS:

Tokyo Yakult Swallows – No. 55

Third baseman

 

Born: February 2, 2000 (age 23)

Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan

 

Bats: Left

Throws: Right

 

NPB debut

September 16, 2018, for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows

 

Career statistics (through July 9, 2023):

  • Batting average: .275
  • Home runs: 172
  • Runs batted: 469
  • Stolen bases: 41

 

Teams

Tokyo Yakult Swallows (2018–present)

 

Career highlights and awards

  • 2× Central League MVP (2021, 2022)
  • Japanese Triple Crown (2022)
  • 3× NPB All-Star (2019, 2021, 2022)
  • 2019 Central League Rookie of the Year
  • Japan Series champion (2021)
  • 2× Central League Home Run Leader (2021, 2022)
  • Interleague play MVP (2022)
  • Hochi Professional Sports Award (2019)
  • 3× Best Nine Award (2020, 2021, 2022)

 

Medals

  • Men's baseball - Representing Japan
  • 2020 Tokyo Team - Summer Olympics
    • Gold medal – first place 
  • 2023 Miami Team - World Baseball Classic
    • Gold medal – first place