ABSTRACT
This chapter notes that the crisis was rapidly becoming the story of the summer. Players and fans continued their efforts to deflect Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) from their plans for merger and consolidation. The activities of the Buffaloes, BlueWave Preservation Society achieved notable success and gained considerable media attention. Yet, despite the reluctance of Central League owners to consider consolidation, its momentum appeared unstoppable. The sudden resignation of Watanabe Tsuneo as Giants owner gave opponents of merger and consolidation renewed energy. Horie Takafumi announces plans to start a new Pacific League franchise. Players voted to authorize a strike if the merger went ahead but continued stonewalling by NPB forced the players to take them to court. Players did not get the injunction against the merger they wanted but NPB was forced to recognize the players’ union as parties to the dispute and commence negotiations.
