BASEBALL is undoubtedly the leading pastime in Japan.

The national team is world caliber and Asian powerhouse since last century while the Philippines used to be in the continent’s top four along with South Korea and Chinese Taipei.

But while the Japanese, Koreans and Taiwanese have reached the status as baseball powers in the world stage, the Filipinos were left to reign only in Southeast Asia.

But new baseball leaders are hoping for a big change.

They’re now moving heaven and earth to regain the country’s lost glory in baseball and put it once again in the Asian map.

The new Liga Baseball Philippines was formed by respectable businessmen/sportsmen in the country.

Leading the group are LBP Chairman Amando N. Zamora, President Jose Antonio V. Munoz and Executive Director Rodolfo N.Tingzon, Jr.with Directors Joaquin C. Loyzaga, Rene Andrei Q. Saguisag, Jude H.Turcuato, Felipe Antonio B.Remollo, Jose Emmanuel M.Eala, Josedinno M.Mariano, Raymond B. Tolentino, Michael M. Zialcita and Athony R.Suntay and Executive Administrator Mariano N. Arroyo.

Julie Anne Yabes is Corporate Secretary.

Eight teams will slug it out in the inaugural LBP-Tingzon Cup in honor of the legendary baseball leader Rodolfo Tingzon, Sr.

“The event will showcase high-level competition in the first commercial baseball league,” Zamora said during the LBP executive meeting at Amigo’s in BGC, Taguig City.

“All the teams participating can be a contender in the historic maiden season of LBP. Rivalry looms as baseball and enthusiasts will surely follow their teams from tri-media to socmed, by that time. Baseball fans are expected to be back at the venue, the historic Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate,” explained Munoz.

Tingzon stressed the importance of rivalry in the LBP, just like in the collegiate leagues, such as the UAAP. The posssibility of rivalry is also high with two teams owned by Japanese nationals based in the Philippines.

“They’re here to help baseball b ack on its feet with consent from baseball leaders here and the players in giving opportunities to play in Japan League while they learn and earn a living.”

The KBA Stars is owned by national baseball consultant Keiji Katayama while the IPPC Hawks is managed by long-time baseball supporter Kunifumi Itakura.

Other teams who are also title contenders are NU Bulldogs, UST Growling Tigers, Samurai u-18, PK Holdings Thunders, Ateneo Blue Eagles and Manila.

The LBP Tingzon Cup, which is sanctioned by PABA, headed by President Chito Loyzaga, will kickoff on May 26 at the RMBS. DS