HEADLINERS: Interleague play is a step closer to reality

Interleague play was unanimously approved by baseball's ruling executive council during a meeting that ended late Tuesday night. The plan needs the approval of 21 of the 28 teams, and owners may vote as soon as Thursday. There doesn't appear to be much opposition among owners. The plan, which calls for 15-16 interleague games for each team, also must be approved by the Major League Baseball Players Association. ''This is an idea that obviously merits series consideration and will give it that,'' union head Donald Fehr said by telephone from Washington. ''We have to take a hard look at anything that will be beneficial to the game.'' The National and American leagues haven't played each other during the regular season since the AL first challenged its senior rival in 1900. Traditionalists argue that interleague play would detract from the World Series. In 1997, AL East teams would play NL East teams, AL Central teams would play AL Central teams and AL West teams would play NL West teams. Teams in the East and Central would play a three-game series against each rival in the other division, while teams in the West would play a four-game series. If interleague play begins, some owners want to resolve the league's split stance on the designated hitter. NL opposition to it is staunch, while the AL is split. The players' association certainly would attempt to block elimination of the DH, which creates high-salaried positions for veterans. Even traditionalist general managers voiced support for interleague play. ''We're dealing with younger fans now, more modernistic fans who think change is more exciting, '' Atlanta Braves general manager John Schuerholz said. ''I think it's an exciting thing for the future of the game. At league meetings Wednesday evening, owners were expected discuss the proposed sale of a controlling interest in the California Angels from Gene Autry to The Walt Disney Co. Approval may come as soon as Thursday. A vote was not expected on the proposed sales of the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals. No decision was expected on assigning the 1998 expansion teams -- Arizona and Tampa Bay -- to leagues. Owners have given themselves a deadline of next January.