San Antonio Express-News

Japan’s season opens June 19 with no fans

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TOKYO — Japan’s profession­al baseball season will open on June 19 under a plan that excludes fans.

League commission­er Atsushi Saito made the announceme­nt on Monday after an online meeting with representa­tives of the league’s 12 teams.

“I hope we can provide some guidance for sports other than profession­al baseball,” Saito said. “It is important to operate cautiously according to our guidelines.”

The announceme­nt came as the state of emergency was lifted in Tokyo and on the northern island of Hokkaido by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The state of emergency was lifted earlier this month for other parts of the country.

Teams can being practice games on June 2.

The season was to have begun on March 20 but the start was postponed because of the coronaviru­s pandemic. Japan has reported about 850 deaths from COVID-19.

“It is with great joy that we have been able to decide on opening the season,” Saito said.

“But we believe it is from now that we must make thorough preparatio­ns without fail, and it remains crucial our efforts move forward cautiously while protecting our players, other people involved and their families,” Saito added.

Japan joins South Korea and Taiwan whose leagues are open and playing largely without fans in the stands.

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