San Francisco Giants. He appeared in 45 games, pitching a total of 74 1⁄3 innings while going 4-1 with a 3.75 ERA, 85 strikeouts and 22 walks. Murakami returned to the Hawks in , but failed to live up to the team's high expectations. He proved himself by winning 18 games in , and contributed to the team's league championship in , but was traded to the Hanshin Tigers in the off-season. He did not pitch well, and the Tigers released him after one year, but the Nippon Ham Fighters picked him up. He made a comeback in , winning 12 games, and contributing to the team's league championship in . Murakami retired in , but returned to the San Francisco Giants spring camp in . He was not signed as a player, but became a batting practice pitcher for Giants' home games. He worked as a commentator from to , and became a minor league pitching coach for the Nippon Ham Fighters from to . He also served as a pitching coach for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks and Seibu Lions. He also briefly worked as a scout for the San Francisco Giants, and is now a commentator for NHK major league baseball games, and writes for the Daily Sports newspaper. In , Murakami was presented with the Foreign Minister's Certificate of Commendation in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Japan-US relationship by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Murakami was honored by the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on Friday, May 16, 2008, when a limited edition Murakami bobblehead was given away at the evening game against the Chicago White Sox as part of the team's "Japanese Heritage Night" promotion. He was again honored on the 50th anniversary of his debut on Friday, May 15, 2014 during the team's "Japanese Heritage Night" promotion and game attendees were given a figurine-style bust of Murakami, and threw out the first pitch of the game. Pitching style Murakami was not an overpowering pitcher. His fastball was only in the low to mid 80 mph range, even during his prime. His best pitch was a sharp screwball, which he learned in the majors, and he also threw a good changeup and curve. He was a valuable reliever, being a left-hander throwing from the sidearm. His total record in two years in the majors was 5–1, 9 saves, with a 3.43