The head of the Japanese baseball players' association said Thursday his organization will do everything possible to block the proposed merger of two Pacific League teams.
![News photo](/images/photos2004/sb20040903a3a.jpg)
Ever since officials of the Kintetsu Buffaloes and the Orix BlueWave announced plans to merge the two teams for the 2005 season, Yakult Swallows catcher Atsuya Furuta has been on a crusade to protect the rights of Japan's 752 professional players.