SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Masanori Murakami, 38-year-old Japanese-born left-hander, was told by San Francisco Giants' general manager Tom Haller Monday that he had failed to make the club and was being given his outright release.
Murakami, who was one of the Giants' more dependable relievers during the 1964 and 1965 seasons, left them 18 years ago to pitch professionally in Japan and asked for and was given an opportunity to rejoin them this spring.
That opportunity carried no guarantee he would be kept.
Haller informed Murakami of his decision before an exhibition game with the Cubs and told the veteran southpaw he was welcome to pitch batting practice for the Giants if he wished withoutpay. Murakami indicated he might do that.
His air fare back to San Francisco was paid by the Giants. Before coming to spring training with the Giants last month, Murakami said he would be interested in observing American broadcasting techniques if he did not make the team in preparation for a television career in Japan.
