Overview
- In a board meeting in Osaka, officials took no final action on the seven-inning proposal and will continue deliberations after receiving a panel recommendation to start in 2028.
- Among member schools, 70.1% opposed the change and 20.8% supported it in the federation’s survey.
- A commissioned poll of the general public showed 35.9% in favor and 25.0% against the shift to seven innings.
- Open submissions on the federation’s website ran heavily against the change, with 7,923 opposed, 768 in favor, and 262 categorized as other.
- Opponents most often cited lost playing opportunities from fewer plate appearances and pitches, while supporters pointed to shorter game times and heatstroke prevention; opposition was higher at schools with larger rosters, and women were more likely to support the change as baseball-interested or experienced respondents tended to oppose it.