When Major LeagueBaseball launched interleague play in 1997, it was exciting, mostly because of the novelty.

Fifteen years later, it's clearly not going away, even if it still sounds weird to say, "Let's go see the Dodgers – in Oakland."

Starting tonight, the A's host the Giants for a three-game series. In May, the Giants won two of three against the A's at AT&T Park.

Clearly, the novelty has worn off, and when Houston moves to the American League next season, the leagues finally will be balanced with 15 teams each.

Some argue it's the perfect time for baseball to do away with the term "interleague" and accept that they're all just "baseball" games. When the 49ers play the Raiders, we don't call it an "interconference" game. Ditto when the Kings play an Eastern Conference team.

Baseball, however, has two distinct leagues, steeped in tradition.

Josh Hamilton leads baseball in RBIs, but no one says that; he leads the American League. When was the last time someone talked about the Western Conference scoring champ in the NBA?

With established career records, too, baseball simply can't just do away with its two leagues, can it?

There's another huge obstacle standing in baseball's way of unifying, some argue: The two leagues don't even play the same game. The designated hitter is used in American League parks but not in National League parks.

Would the NBA ever adopt a "designated shooter" – a sixth man who just shoots – used only in Eastern Conference arenas?

What to watch

NASCAR, Toyota/SaveMart 350 qualifying, 8 p.m., SPEED: If you love to watch racing on a road course, you won't mind the tape delay.

What to do

Baseball, Giants at A's, O.co Coliseum, 7:05 p.m.: Is Oakland's offense just what Tim Lincecum needs to finally get going?

Today's poll

Should baseball unify its two leagues?

• Yes, with the DH

• Yes, without the DH

• No

Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports

Thursday's results

What's your take on LeBron James?

• He's the best player in the NBA: 31%

• He'll be considered a great player only after he wins a title: 11%

• LeBron this, LeBron that – enough already: 58%

Total votes: 283

The last word

What you're saying on sacbee.com comments:

• "Right or wrong, LeBron will never silence the critics. Even among players in the league he is known as LaDrama Punk. … " – jj2319 on "Leading Off: James rises to the challenge for Heat"

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