Munetaka Murakami pays respect to Blue Jays legend during White Sox playoff clinch celebrations

The Chicago White Sox clinched a spot in the 2026 postseason following a 9-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on September 24, 2026. The win at Kauffman Stadium secured Chicago's first playoff berth since the 2021 season, improving their overall record to 82-77 with three regular-season games remaining.

During the postgame locker room celebrations, White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami paid homage to former Toronto Blue Jays player Munenori Kawasaki by shouting "I AM JAPANESE!" during an interview. The famous quote referenced Kawasaki's well-known postgame remark made originally on May 26, 2013.