Munetaka Murakami Signed with Jordan Ahead of the MLB Home Run Derby
PublishedQuick Facts
- Announced in a press release right before the Home Run Derby, Murakami joins Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm, and more on the Jumpman’s diamond squad
- Murakami pulled out a burgundy red Air Jordan 11 cleat for the Derby with an all-over pebble gem print on the patent leather paneling
- Expect to see more debut pairs on Murakami’s feet as the White Sox continue to hold the top spot in the AL Central and hunt for second-half success
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The Home Run Derby sent an endless stream of bombs into the Philly sky Monday night. Despite the hometown hero, Kyle Schwarber, coming up one dinger short to new household name, St. Louis Cardinal Jordan Walker, who wore a pair of red and white Air Jordan 1 cleats as he walked off the win, it was another pair of Jumpman cleats that caught our eye in the first round of the event.
Jordan’s New Slugger
Japanese Chicago White Sox slugger Munetaka Murakami didn’t make it out of the first round of Monday night’s Derby, despite his effortless lefty power. During his 20-pitch spotlight, though, Murakami stepped to the plate wearing a never-before-seen pair of Air Jordan 11 Cleats, cementing the Southside Chicago rookie as the newest member of the Jordan Baseball team.
“Joining Jordan Brand is a dream come true. The Jumpman stands for greatness, confidence and pushing beyond limits—values that have inspired me throughout my career,” Murakami said. “To be part of a family that includes some of the world’s greatest athletes is an incredible honor and I’m excited to represent Jordan Brand on the field and help grow the game of baseball for the next generation.”
Fresh 11s for the Derby
Announced in a press release right before the Home Run Derby, Murakami joins Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm, and more on the Jumpman’s diamond squad. Photographed in the press release with a pair of Air Jordan 3 Retro True Blue cleats to match the shoe’s All-Star Week release, Murakami called an audible for the competition, pulling out a burgundy red Air Jordan 11 cleat with an all-over pebble gem print on the patent leather paneling.
Expect to see more debut pairs on Murakami’s feet as the White Sox continue to hold the top spot in the AL Central and hunt for second-half success. To keep up with all the latest MLB sneaker news, download the Sole Retriever App.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
