Once again in Major League baseball, the start of inter-league play part of the schedule. It means that players in each league will have to get used to ''different rules'' for a while. Since the American League teams adopted the designated-hitter in 1973, big league baseall is the ''only'' major sport that actually operates with some of its team playing different rules.
Now, the D.H has proved very popular over it's nearly four decades of use. The Northwoods League is just one of many minor loops that use it. But one new thing that's happening this season for the Border Cats, the end of games with a number of teams. Expansion has prompted the league split into two divisions, eliminating inter-locking play. The Cats will only play against teams from Minnesota, meaning less travel.
However, the real bonus of this could be establishing some rivalries, something I believe this league has lacked since it started. I think this will be a good improvement in the league.
And getting back to the majors, count me as one who would prefer not having inter-league play, and restoring that symmetrical schedule the American and National Leagues always used to have.
