Munetaka Murakami, who hit 56 home runs in a season for the Yakult professional baseball team, the most by any Japanese player, and won the triple crown, was presented with the Prefectural Honor Award from his hometown of Kumamoto Prefecture.
Born in Kumamoto City, 22-year-old Murakami hit 56 home runs this season, the most by any Japanese player so far. also shone.
In order to praise these achievements, Murakami was awarded the Citizen's Honor Award from Kumamoto Prefecture, and the presentation ceremony was held at the prefectural office on the 28th.
At the ceremony, Governor Kabashima said, "We have left a record in the history of professional baseball, and we are proud to impress many citizens of the prefecture."
In response, Murakami replied, "I've been working hard to get the Prefectural Honor Award, so I'm grateful for everyone's support."
Next, "Kumamon" wearing a Yakult uniform appeared, and Murakami was given a gold medal designed by "Kumamon" to commemorate his success.
Murakami was the 10th group to receive the Kumamoto Prefecture Citizen's Honor Award, and was the youngest to receive the award.
After the ceremony, Murakami said, "I'm very calm now that I'm back in Kumamoto. I want to do my best to give the team more courage and excitement in baseball, aiming to win the championship in Japan and the WBC." I was.