Murakami's Team Misses Playoffs as Chicago Baseball Fever Rises
Listen to the story
Munetaka Murakami, a Japanese baseball player for the Chicago White Sox, went hitless in a crucial game. As a result, his team missed the chance to win their division and secure a playoff spot.
Following the disappointing result, some Japanese media published unusual reports asking fans to be understanding. The reports asked people to forgive Murakami for his lack of hits in such an important match.
Meanwhile, excitement has been building in Chicago because both the Cubs and the White Sox had a chance to reach the postseason. If both teams advanced far enough, they could potentially meet each other in the World Series, baseball's biggest event.
According to reports, such an all-Chicago World Series has not happened in 120 years, making the possibility especially exciting for local fans.
The city's excitement grew even further after a former U.S. president posted online, showing support for one of the Chicago teams. This added to the buzz surrounding the city's baseball scene.
However, Murakami's team, the White Sox, ultimately fell short in the division race. Despite the overall excitement in Chicago, the White Sox did not manage to win their division this season.
The story highlights how a single player's performance can attract intense media attention, especially when larger storylines, like a possible historic matchup, are also unfolding in the background.
Vocabulary6 words
- division
- a small group of teams competing to be the best
- forgive
- to stop feeling angry with someone for a mistake
- postseason
- special games played after the normal season to decide a champion
- World Series
- the final championship series in American baseball
- former U.S. president
- someone who used to be president of the United States
- buzz
- a lot of excited talk about something
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Quiz
Answer key
1. He went hitless 2. It hasn't happened in 120 years 3. No
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Munetaka Murakami, a Japanese baseball player for the Chicago White Sox, went _____ in a crucial game. As a result, his team missed the chance to win their _____ and secure a playoff spot.
Following the disappointing result, some Japanese media published unusual reports asking fans to be understanding. The reports asked people to _____ Murakami for his lack of hits.
Meanwhile, excitement has been building in Chicago because both the Cubs and the White Sox had a chance to reach the _____.
If both teams advanced far enough, they could potentially meet each other in the World _____, baseball's biggest event.
According to reports, such an all-Chicago World Series has not happened in 120 _____.
The city's excitement grew even further after a former U.S. _____ posted online, showing support for one of the Chicago teams.
However, Murakami's team, the White Sox, ultimately fell short in the _____ race.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think the media asked fans to forgive Murakami?
- How might it feel for a player to be blamed for a team's loss?
- Why would a Cubs vs. White Sox World Series be historic?
- Do you think public figures, like former presidents, should comment on sports?
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