CHICAGO — The time spent by Will Venable as a student and athlete at Princeton University isn’t really germane to his current White Sox managerial status, aside from preparing him to be a knowledgeable baseball man and a leader.
But Venable’s senior thesis (under advisor Lawrence Rosen), titled, “The Game and Community: An Anthropological Look at Baseball in America and Japan,” could have a direct effect on a facet of his position entering the 2026 season. Munetaka Murakami, a 25-year-old first baseman, joined the White Sox from Japan this offseason — where Venable’s father, Max, played for Chiba Lotte from 1992-93.
Venable has a unique understanding of the culture and style of baseball Murakami brings to the United States; Venable’s thesis focused upon shared values of baseball throughout both countries. That depth of knowledge might help ease the transition for Murakami, who agreed to a two-year, $34 million deal.
“My understanding of Japanese baseball – the thing that stood out is the passion for the game culturally with the fans, the players, everything in that culture,” Venable said. “Baseball has a huge place in that country. It comes out in the way these guys go about their business, the way they play on the field, the way that fans come and support them, the energy in stadiums.
“It’s similar to winter ball to me, in which every play is impactful — every play is important. You get energy in these buildings. It’s awesome to be around.
“As far as my thesis, or my experience taking a deeper dive in Japanese baseball, it’s just the commitment to the game and their ability and willingness to just give everything to the game,” Venable said. “Certainly, as the manager of players, we like that in all our players for these guys to put baseball first and give everything they have.”
Murakami is the fourth Japanese player — and probably most prominent — to be part of the White Sox Major League roster, as discussed frequently following his introductory press conference at Rate Field. Outfielder Kosuke Fukudome drew great attention when joining the Cubs for an All-Star season in 2008 but only had 51 plate appearances over 24 games on the South Side in ’12.
Tadahito Iguchi was one of the last pieces of the 2005 World Series championship puzzle, originally found by then-general manager Ken Williams studying video of the second baseman. Iguchi, who has stayed connected with the White Sox and was part of the 20-year 2005 team reunion this past July, served as an integral piece of this historic White Sox success.
Shingo Takatsu became an almost instant cult hero with White Sox fans as the 2004 closer, throwing his “frisbee” slider/changeup to the tune of a 2.31 ERA and 19 saves. He also managed Murakami with the Yakult Swallows, giving the White Sox and the city of Chicago strong reviews.
The addition of Murakami resonates with White Sox players, even beyond his power potential — with which he produced 56 home runs as recently as the 2022 season.
“Great pickup. … I think it’s super cool,” White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke told MLB.com of Murakami. “I think the style of baseball they play is cool. The last WBC, they won it all, so their style of play is successful.
“Obviously, it’s having a great player on our team. But getting to know Mune and getting to know their culture, getting to learn some stuff from him, about things he takes from the game over there and [then being] here, getting a new perspective on it. I think more for the experience of it too.”
Aside from being included on a Zoom video call before Murakami signed, Venable has been exchanging offseason texts with him through an interpreter. Murakami talks a great deal about defense, according to Venable, and he talks a lot about competing and being extremely excited to get going.
That attitude is not surprising to Venable, based on his time in Japan and what he learned from his work at Princeton. He received a B grade on the senior thesis, but years later, is happy with what he did.
“A lot of people would have been upset with a ‘B,’” said Venable with a laugh. “I was pumped … I’ll take it.
“I have no doubt in the little that I’ve heard from Mune and communicated with him, it seems very clear that he’s cut from that same cloth. He’s excited to go out and play hard and compete. I’m excited about what that looks like for him in the United States.”
