Two weeks ago, it appeared Japanese pro baseball was surely headed for a 10-team, one-league restructuring for next season.
The 12 team owners came out of a July 7 meeting, chaired by Tsuneo Watanabe of the Yomiuri Giants, determined to approve a merger between the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes and Orix BlueWave, disregarding the feelings of players and fans.
Seibu Lions owner Yoshiaki Tsutsumi said two of the remaining four Pacific League clubs should also get together, effectively ending the existence of the PL.