Former Toronto Blue Jays fan favorite wins United Series MVP at 44 years old
Photo credit: Munenori Kawasaki - x.com
At 44, former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Munenori Kawasaki keeps bringing joy and bananas to the Ballpark.
Kawasaki, who spent parts of three seasons with the Blue Jays from 2013 to 2015, was not much more than a depth option during his time in Toronto. That said, his iconic interviews made him a household name.
Despite having last appeared in the MLB in 2016, the 44-year-old Kawasaki continues to play.
In fact, he was able to help lead the Mid East Falcons to a Baseball United championship on Sunday, winning the first-ever MVP of the league final, deemed the United Series.
YOUR 2025 UNITED SERIES MVP!! 🏆 Munenori delivered when it mattered most 💫
And, in typical Kawasaki, he gave a legendary interview afterward.
"The best. The best," Kawasaki said. "My favourite. My memory! Wow! "Next year, I am 45 years old. I want to try [to play]. I will try my best. I have bananas. I have bananas. No problem. I'm ready, okay? See you next year! I love you guys. Monkey never cramps!"
Kawasaki helping develop fellow countrymen into better ball players
He may be eight years removed from playing for a top-level professional team, but his sense of humor remains what scouts would call «80-grade.»
But Kawasaki, a limber, slap-hitting second baseman who has played in lower-level Japanese leagues since his career in MLB and NPB came to an end, is more than just a jokester.
«He's pretty much the leader of the Japanese guys. And he does a great job of keeping everybody informed and loose and playing hard,» said Falcons manager Dennis Cook, himself a World Series champion with the Florida Marlins in 1997 and a veteran of 15 MLB seasons. Cook noted that Kawasaki had done a lot to help 18-year-old Japanese shortstop Manato Tanai.
Kawasaki has more fun on the field than just about anyone you'll ever meet. Mid East manager Dennis Cook said he's the leader of the Japanese players and helped young shortstop Manato Tanai develop this season. Cook also said Kawasaki is in charge of his own banana supply.
With Kawasaki essentially guaranteeing a return for the 2026 season, Blue Jays fans should expect to see another legendary interview or two surface from one of baseball's most exuberant personalities.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 18 | 57 ANSWERS Former Toronto Blue Jays fan favorite wins United Series MVP at 44 years old Do you think Munenori Kawasaki is a good ambassador for the game of baseball? | ||
| Yes | 56 | 98.2 % |
| No | 1 | 1.8 % |
| List of polls | ||