The threat of a postseason strike by...

The threat of a postseason strike by major league umpires continued, with no meetings scheduled between the two sides.

Richie Phillips, head of the umpires’ union, said that he had talked with Bobby Brown, president of the American League, and probably would talk with Brown again today.

The umpires struck seven of the eight playoff games last year and were replaced by college and sandlot officials. Last year’s walkout ended when the umpires agreed to work while new Commissioner Peter Ueberroth mediated their dispute.

The new contract, signed after the World Series, provided for working in the best-of-five playoffs, the format that baseball had used since division play was introduced in 1969.

When the leagues expanded those playoffs to best-of-seven series as part of their labor agreement with the players during the summer, no extension was negotiated with the umpires.