At their spring training camp in Peoria, Arizona, the Chicago White Sox have introduced bidets in the clubhouse to promote team unity and help Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami feel more at home. The move reflects the team’s commitment to making Murakami comfortable as he transitions into Major League Baseball.
Players React to the Bidet Addition with Humor and Curiosity
The introduction of bidets has sparked lighthearted conversations and curiosity among the players, many of whom have never used one before. Pitcher Davis Martin acknowledged the cultural difference, saying,
“Obviously, the western culture, it’s just not as popular over here as in Japan,”
and added,
“I think it’s hilarious. It’s fun and if anyone wants to try it, it’s going to be good. We’ve already had jokes with it and it has already brought us closer as a team. We had some material, but to talk to Mune about it a little bit, it’s been fun.”
Several players expressed interest in experimenting with the new hygiene technology, which is designed to be more environmentally friendly by reducing toilet paper usage. Left fielder Andrew Benintendi said,
“I can’t say I’ve ever had one, so I don’t know. I’ll have to get some feedback first. But it’s something that’s kind of a conversation starter and lightens the mood a little bit. Obviously, the more camp goes on and the longer we’re around each other, the more comfortable we’re going to get. It’s definitely an interesting way to start conversations.”
General Manager Details Decision to Install Bidets at Rate Field
Chris Getz, the White Sox general manager, explained that introducing bidets was a way to ensure Murakami felt welcome. Although Murakami did not insist on having them, Getz said,
“There was no demand by any stretch”
from the player. Upon hearing about the idea, a representative from Japanese toilet manufacturer Toto contacted the White Sox offering assistance. Getz described the interaction:
“He mentioned it, and I said ‘That seems like something that we can accommodate.’ I said something about it, and someone from (Japanese toilet manufacturer) Toto reached out to me in an email and said, ‘We can help you out with this.’”
Pitcher Mike Vasil noted the clubhouse would have five bidets available, ensuring there would be no delays in usage. Getz deferred any questions about the practical use of the bidets to team executives Brooks Boyer and Terry Savarise, saying,
“I just push for the accommodations.”
Munetaka Murakami Emerges as a Central Figure During Spring Training
Murakami, who has generated considerable excitement since his signing, has been a major focus at White Sox camp. Fans and media closely observed him during field sessions, especially on Monday at Salt River Field. However, with Murakami not in the lineup for the White Sox’s 12-10 victory against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium on Tuesday, the Japanese media contingent was largely absent.
Getz acknowledged the buzz around Murakami’s presence:
“There is a real buzz to it, no question, and that started when we announced the deal. He had a lot of success in Japan, and everyone is really curious about how this is going to translate. We are as well … Walking around, there are eyes on him. But he’s comfortable with that, it seems.”
Murakami has also embraced the lighter side of clubhouse life, mimicking Ken “Hawk” Harrelson impressions taught by Chicago Sports Network reporter Chuck Garfien and joking with teammates. Manager Will Venable described him as “very serious” when playing but noted,
“There is definitely a lighter side to Mune. He’s got a big personality, funny dude and definitely likes to joke around with the guys. Time and place for everything but he’s doing a great job being locked in on the field.”
Team Dynamic Benefits from Diverse Personalities Including Murakami’s
While Murakami brings much of the attention, Venable emphasized that every player contributes to a unique clubhouse atmosphere. He said,
“I think that every one of those guys serves their purpose in the clubhouse dynamic and we have some other guys that are similarly ‘personality guys.’ I think our group is a special group that way. They have a bunch of different personalities, and most importantly, they all get along.”
Rather than breed jealousy, the media focus on Murakami is viewed positively for the organization. Pitcher Davis Martin remarked,
“It’s great to grow the brand of the Chicago White Sox. Right now, where we’re at as a team and where we’re going, it’s fun for not only Chicago-based fans but also fans that Mune brings across from Japan.”
Veteran Players See Optimism Amid Ongoing Rebuild
Andrew Benintendi, now entering his fourth year with the White Sox and one of the remaining players from the franchise’s difficult 2022 season, expressed cautious optimism.
“Once they kind of started this rebuild thing, you can kind of predict how it’s going to go initially,”
he said.
“You hope to get out of that rebuild pretty quickly, and last year was a big step for a lot of guys. A lot of debuts, a lot of firsts for a lot of guys. They obviously still have to go through things and learn, but it feels more like we’re prepared to win more games and are prepared to win more.”
General manager Getz echoed this forward-looking sentiment but tempered expectations. He appreciated catcher Edgar Quero’s confidence in pursuing a playoff spot but urged patience.
“Let’s put ourselves in that position first,”
Getz said. He pointed out the progress made since last season, noting contributions from emerging players like Colson Montgomery and Kyle Teel, alongside the new additions of Murakami and Serathony Domínguez.
Financial Constraints and Ownership Support Shape Team’s Development Path
Despite the incremental roster improvements, the White Sox remain limited financially, ranking 28th in payroll according to Spotrac. Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf has supported the team’s ongoing rebuild, even if progress has been gradual. When asked if Reinsdorf might back further spending at the trade deadline if the team is in contention, Getz responded, “I don’t doubt that.”
This cautious optimism signals that the team is focused on steady growth, and the introduction of bidets illustrates a broader effort to build a cohesive environment that supports performance on and off the field.
