High school baseball rules changes: Schools given option to use larger first base

BY VAL TSOUTSOURIS

Sports Editor, RTC

Baseball

The National Federation of State High School Associations will allow schools to use an 18-inch first base as an option starting in the 2027 season, according to a press release Wednesday.

The NFHS Baseball Rules Committee mandated a double first base at its July 2025 meeting, effective for the 2027 season. Now schools will have the option to use the 18-inch base instead of the double base.

“Allowing a larger first base has proven to be effective in reducing player collisions and enhancing player safety,” the NFHS said in a media release.

It added that the 18-inch base “gives administrators the flexibility to enhance player safety while recognizing the varying needs and resources of member schools.”

Other baseball rules changes

• The NFHS also will allow the pitcher to receive one-way electronic communication from the coach for the purpose of calling pitches. Previously, only the catcher could receive the communication. The coach must be located in the dugout or bench area.

• Also, beginning in 2028, the NFHS said that non-wood bats shall meet either the USA Baseball Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution of .50 or the USA Baseball Bat Performance Standard of -4, -5 or -6. Bats must be labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark.

“The NFHS Rules Committee voting to expand permitted drop weight options at the high school level is a significant step forward in keeping more athletes in baseball and supporting their long-term development,” said USA Baseball President John Gall said in a statement. “We have seen too many athletes entering high school baseball struggle with the immediate jump to the -3-drop weight and then walk away from the game. This rule change creates flexibility for players to continue building strength, refining mechanics, and developing bat speed over time before making the jump to USA BBCOR.” 

The NFHS started using the BBCOR standard in high school baseball in 2012.

• Also, teams have the option to start each half-inning with a runner on second base “when using a tiebreaker to end a regulation game” for regular season games only. The runner would be the last scheduled batter in that respective half-inning.

The IHSAA would have to pass a rule before it would go into effect in Indiana.

MLB began using an automatic runner rule for extra innings in 2020 and permanently added it to the rule book in 2023.