(4)Owners keep 2 leagues, OK Orix-Kintetsu merger

(4)Owners keep 2 leagues, OK Orix-Kintetsu merger

OSAKA, Japan - Orix BlueWave fans carry banners opposing the merger of the BluWave and Kintetsu Buffaloes at Yahoo BB Stadium in Kobe on Sept. 8. The owners of Japan's 12 professional baseball clubs approved the merger and decided to keep the two-league system the same day.

(3)Owners keep 2 leagues, OK Orix-Kintetsu merger

(3)Owners keep 2 leagues, OK Orix-Kintetsu merger

TOKYO, Japan - Kintetsu Buffaloes owner Wa Tashiro, Yomiuri Giants owner Takuo Takihana, Japanese pro baseball commissioner Yasuchika Negoro, Orix BluWave owner Yoshihiko Miyauchi (from left to right) attend a press conference in a Tokyo hotel Sept. 8 after the owners of Japan's 12 professional ballclubs approved the Orix-Kintestu merger and decided to keep the two-league system.

(4)Owners keep 2 leagues, OK Orix-Kintetsu merger

(4)Owners keep 2 leagues, OK Orix-Kintetsu merger

OSAKA, Japan - Orix BlueWave fans carry banners opposing the merger of the BluWave and Kintetsu Buffaloes at Yahoo BB Stadium in Kobe on Sept. 8. The owners of Japan's 12 professional baseball clubs approved the merger and decided to keep the two-league system the same day. (Kyodo)

(3)Owners keep 2 leagues, OK Orix-Kintetsu merger

(3)Owners keep 2 leagues, OK Orix-Kintetsu merger

TOKYO, Japan - Kintetsu Buffaloes owner Wa Tashiro, Yomiuri Giants owner Takuo Takihana, Japanese pro baseball commissioner Yasuchika Negoro, Orix BluWave owner Yoshihiko Miyauchi (from left to right) attend a press conference in a Tokyo hotel Sept. 8 after the owners of Japan's 12 professional ballclubs approved the Orix-Kintestu merger and decided to keep the two-league system. (Kyodo)