The Chicago White Sox have punched their ticket to October. For the first time in 2021, the Southsiders will play in the postseason.
In the process, they became the first team in MLB history to reach the postseason after three straight 100+ loss seasons.
The season turned on Thursday, when the White Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals 9-1. Minutes later, the Chicago Cubs clinched a playoff spot, marking the first time both teams will play in October since 2020.
In the jubilation, Chicago Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami was beyond elated, and his mic-drop moment said it all, per Chicago Sports Network.
“How does it feel to celebrate with everyone?” he was asked.
“I AM JAPANEESSSEEE!!!” Murakami responded.
In Japan, Murakami is a heralded figure. He broke the single-season home run record in Nippon Professional Baseball with 56 home runs in 2022. Also, he was christened with the nickname “Murakami-sama”, which means Mura-God.
That same year, his nickname was honored with “Word of the Year” in Japan.
Murakami went 1-for-4 at the plate against the Royals. He is batting .204 with 90 hits, 33 home runs, and 74 RBIs. The White Sox still have a chance to win the American League Central Division title.
They trail the Cleveland Guardians by one game with three games left in the season. Chicago will hit the road to play the Colorado Rockies in a three game series. At the same time, the Guardians will play the Royals in their final three games.
If the White Sox lose two games and the Guardians lose two games, they will clinch the division.