As the 2010 Japan pro baseball season draws to a close with its Climax and Japan Series, the thought occurred to me that maybe it is time for the Central League to join its Pacific League cousins and include the designated hitter rule in its games for next season.
Before going further, however, let me say I generally do not like the DH. If I had my way, I would do away with it in the Pacific League, the American League, minor and independent leagues and any leagues in other countries where it is used. The reality, though, is it's apparently here to stay forever.
The American League instituted the DH 37 years ago, in 1973, and the Pacific League followed in 1975, so it is 35 years old here in Japan. It is one of many examples where Japanese baseball followed the major leagues in making changes and renovations over the years.