White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami and Pat McAfee connect over shared music taste

A Munetaka Murakami interview on The Pat McAfee Show produced an unexpected musical connection before Monday’s Home Run Derby, giving the Chicago White Sox rookie a lighthearted moment during All-Star Week in Philadelphia.

Murakami entered the event shortly after returning from a 35-game absence caused by a strained right hamstring. Before the injury interrupted his rookie season, the first baseman had hit 20 home runs, driven in 41 runs and posted a .938 OPS through 57 games.

The conversation shifted when McAfee asked Murakami what music he enjoys. Instead of naming an artist, Murakami recalled a familiar chorus that McAfee recognized as Clarence Carter’s “Strokin’.”

McAfee later shared the clip on X, formerly Twitter, showing both men singing along after the song created an immediate connection.

“I BE STROKIN’ #PMSLive.”

I BE STROKIN' #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/5T7bgexDVa

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 13, 2026

The former NPB standout then supplied the exchange’s defining line while trying to identify the track:

“I don’t know the name, but… Strokin’.”

The playful response showed Murakami’s growing comfort during his first Major League season. His timing and enthusiasm turned a routine interview question into a widely shared clip before the competition.

Murakami later hit nine home runs in the opening round at Citizens Bank Park. His longest traveled 466 feet, while his homers averaged 421 feet and reached an average exit velocity of 110 mph. Kyle Schwarber’s 10 home runs prevented him from advancing.

Even so, Murakami became only the second Japanese-born player to participate in the Derby, following Shohei Ohtani in 2021. His appearance also came three days after Chicago activated him from the injured list.

It gave national viewers a fuller introduction to his power, humor, and relaxed presence beyond the field.

The White Sox rookie did not leave Philadelphia with the trophy, but his powerful showing and musical exchange with McAfee gave fans two glimpses of the personality behind one of baseball’s most intriguing newcomers.

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