If Pacific League fans and teams look happier and more upbeat than usual, it's probably because it's that time of year again.
Tuesday marks the start of interleague season, a period PL teams probably anticipate as much many in Japan look forward to Golden Week. Central League teams, meanwhile, would probably rather just keep playing each other.
There was no interleague during the shortened 2020 season, as that part of the schedule was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s back this year and scheduled to run from Tuesday to June 13.