CBA pitching to a full count

Governing body has high hopes for revamped domestic pro league

Already conceding two strikes against baseball's niche status on the national sports landscape, China's pro league is stepping up to the plate for a third swing at respectability.

After twice suspending competition due to lack of funding and exposure, the Chinese Baseball Association on Monday announced a relaunch of the league as part of a long-term reform to grow the competition, created in 2002, into a full-fledged professional program rebranded as the China National Baseball League.