Players seek another look at 'dead' ball.

Players seek another look at 'dead' ball

Yomiuri

Even the pitchers are concerned that the lack of home runs might be detracting from the game.

Japan's players union has requested that Nippon Pro Baseball reexamine the unified baseball introduced last season that has led to a dramatic reduction in home runs.

The less lively baseball, produced by Mizuno, was adopted for all Japan pro baseball games, replacing a system in which teams could use a manufacturer of their choosing as long as it met specifications.

Last season saw home runs fall 40 percent in both the Central and Pacific leagues, and, at the current rate, that percentage could …