World News

Japanese baseball merger crisis deepens

Japanese baseball's contraction crisis deepened July 7 when it was revealed at an owners' meeting that more Pacific League (PL) teams are considering a merger.

Owners of Japan's 12 professional teams revealed that several franchises, in addition to the Orix BlueWave and the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes, are discussing a possible amalgamation. Kintetsu and Orix announced their proposed merger June 13.

Local media reported after the July 7 meeting that the Seibu Lions are also considering a merger. Seibu owner Yoshiaki Tsutsumi said the Lions, Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and Chiba Lotte Marines have been shortlisted for a possible merger.

The revelations raised the possibility that Japanese baseball will restructure to a one-league format for next season instead of the existing two-league system.

For years, PL owners have been lobbying the commissioner's office and the Central League owners to introduce interleague play in hopes of cashing in on the popularity of the Central League's Yomiuri Giants.

But Yomiuri owner Tsuneo Watanabe, reluctant to have PL teams play his team at the Tokyo Dome, balked at the idea.

Watanabe said if the Orix-Kintetsu merger actually takes place the owners will discuss in September the possibility of a shift to a one-league system from the current two-league format that has been in place since 1950.

(AP, Kyodo)

Shukan ST: July 16, 2004

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