MESA, Ariz. — White Sox standout Munetaka Murakami and Cubs ace Seiya Suzuki share a close friendship, with Suzuki recently advising Murakami on his transition to Chicago. “I talked to him in the offseason about Chicago, saying it’s a great city and he’s going to love it,” Suzuki mentioned via an interpreter. He humorously added, “But be careful because it does get really cold,” a sentiment that Murakami agreed with.
The duo debuted for their respective teams on Friday as the White Sox triumphed over the Cubs in an 8-1 Cactus League opener, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of 14,419 to Sloan Park on a sunny yet brisk day.
The 2026 season has officially begun, despite uncertainties looming over a potential lockout by owners in December. However, fans can take solace in the baseball action scheduled to continue until at least late September. As the struggles of life ebb and flow, baseball remains a constant source of joy for many.
This year’s opener reminisced a well-known phrase previously uttered by former Chicago Sun-Times reporter Joe Goddard, which humorously reflected on the length of the baseball season. Nevertheless, the excitement surrounding the beginning of spring training is palpable, serving as a refreshing reminder of the sport’s significance, especially during tumultuous times.
Among the noteworthy performances, Sox minor-leaguer Darren Baker—who was only five when he was first mentioned by the writer—marked his debut with a walk and a run scored. Spring training, filled with budding talents vying for recognition, creates both anticipation and excitement among fans and players alike.
The game showcased impressive moments, including Sox second base prospect Sam Antonacci launching a two-run homer against Cubs starter Jameson Taillon, drawing applause for his confident bat flip. This acclamation came despite Antonacci’s modest minor league record, highlighting that every play can mark a step forward in a player’s journey.
Newly acquired Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman had an underwhelming debut, going 0-for-2 but expressed joy in being part of a crowd that once booed him when he played for the Astros. He celebrated the energy of the moment and looked forward to building on their shared ambitions.
Murakami’s day was eventful as well; after being briefly scratched from the lineup due to traffic issues, he made it just in time and performed admirably, going 2-for-4 with a two-run double, an achievement that his teammate Suzuki amusingly recounted losing in the sun.
As the game progressed and the White Sox moved ahead 7-1, many Cubs fans began to leave, likely to beat the heavy traffic in Phoenix. Nevertheless, a chant of “Let’s go, White Sox” resonated through Sloan Park, a moment of catharsis for long-suffering Sox fans yearning for optimism after several tough seasons.
On the other hand, the Cubs maintain high aspirations for the upcoming season, bolstered by last year’s playoff experience and offseason acquisitions like Bregman and pitcher Edward Cabrera. Pitcher Taillon noted a strengthening culture within the team, attributing it to a mix of confidence and hard work, fostered by new additions.
Manager Craig Counsell echoed these sentiments, expressing that past successes create a motivating desire to replicate those experiences. As the Cactus League unfolds, the essence of America’s pastime is evident, which brings hope and excitement to fans and players alike, fostering the belief that this season could be one of promising potential.