Red Sox, A's Wrap Up Japan Series

MLB’s latest foray into Japan wrapped up early this morning, and Bud Selig & Co. have to be pleased with the Red Sox and A’s playing in front of another packed house at the Tokyo Dome. Selig hints fans should get used to the international exposure, as he is looking at opportunities to stage a season-opening series in Europe. Some in the States, however, caution the increasing globalization of America’s pastime runs the risk of alienating teams’ longtime fans. But strong business vitals in Japan suggest the league is making inroads in the country. Licensees in Japan have grown tenfold since ’00 and retail sales revenue has nearly tripled during that time, with MLB products becoming trendy among several key demos.

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