Larger first base option allowed in high school

INDIANAPOLIS — Beginning next year, high school baseball teams will be given the option to use an 18-inch first base or the double first base. The larger base is presented as an alternative to the previously mandated double first base, which goes into effect in 2027. The larger first base option was one of seven rules changes recommended by the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee at its meeting last month in Indianapolis and which were subsequently approved by the NFHS Rules Review Committee and NFHS Board of Directors. Norwalk High School will be among those programs that will immediately capitalize on the decision. "We actually wanted the larger bases last year, but obviously it wasn't allowed yet," NHS head coach Jason Higgins said. "I think the bigger, double base with the white and the colors will clear up any issues that may arise on plays at first base." Higgins noted there has been an emphasis within the rules on the running lanes for batters heading to first. "There is a definite issue with close calls at first and that runner trying to be in that lane and hit the base coming back into play. I think if they are going to emphasize that running lane and be very strict with those, I think the double base with the half the runner has to hit in foul territory — in line with that running lane — simply makes sense." In conjunction with the double first base, allowing a larger first base has proven to be effective in reducing player collisions and enhancing player safety. "The committee believes that providing schools with the option of using either an 18-inch first base or a double first base gives administrators the flexibility to enhance player safety while recognizing the varying needs and resources of member schools," said Elliot Hopkins, director of sports and liaison to the committee. "Both options are designed to reduce the potential for collisions at first base and support a reduced risk playing environment without changing the fundamental nature of the game." For his part, Higgins agrees with the safety aspect as well. "There are a lot of tricky plays at first with kids trying to hustle to be safe, as well as the first baseman trying to secure the out," he said. "This helps avoid someone not getting stepped on or their feet tangled. "These are high school kids, not the professionals," he added. "There are coordination issues, definitely, with kids trying to go for a ball, and maybe the throw takes them off the base, and they bring back that foot. I think that wider base just simply clears up a lot of that." Among the other notable rule changes, one-way electronic communication will now be allowed from the coach to the pitcher and/or the catcher for the purposes of calling pitches. Prior, the catcher was the only defensive player allowed to receive communication from the coach. While the coach must still be located in the dugout/bench area, the committee believes this change responsibly integrates electronic communication that enhances game management. As far as NHS is concerned, Higgins said his program is not there yet. "Does not impact us because we don't do that as of now," Higgins said. "I think they will get cheaper, but the cost right now is not worth what you get out of it. They have watches, and once they allow the ability for all players to wear those besides the pitcher and catcher, it would be a game changer down the road to speed up the game." Major League Baseball increased base sizes from 15 to 18 inches square starting in the 2023 season. Another rule change that will be an option for high school baseball teams in the U.S. is another trickle down from the MLB level. Also prior to 2023, MLB implemented a designated runner on second base to start extra innings. They did so to lessen the wear and tear on pitchers and keep games to a manageable length. Now, the NFHS also confirmed when using a tiebreaker to end a regulation game, an option is now available to start each half-inning with a runner on second base. Like MLB, the runner would be the last scheduled batter in that respective half-inning. Additional rules changes include coaches will be allowed to use a handheld electronic scoring device, such as the GameChanger app or other scoring material, while in the coach's box. Eye shade must be a solid stroke and not include words, numbers, logos, or other symbols within the eye shade. Use of electronic communication devices by players on the field is prohibited (except as outlined with one-way coach-to-player communication). This includes amplifying devices, wireless communication devices, headphones, etc., for the purposes of recording, streaming, or transmitting audio or video. The prohibition does not include medical devices. Bat certification was addressed with USA Baseball assuming bat-testing standards. Effective in 2028, there will be an additional class of permitted non-wood bats. Bats that are not made of a single piece of wood shall meet either the USA Baseball Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (USA Baseball BBCOR) of .50 or the USA Baseball Bat Performance Standard (-4, -5, -6). Bats must be labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark. "In addition, the NFHS remains committed to fostering the growth and development of high school baseball players," Hopkins said. "As the game continues to evolve with the adoption of the USA Baseball BBCOR standard, expanding the available drop-weight options provides younger and developing players with additional opportunities to build proper mechanics, confidence, and skills while maintaining the safety and performance standards expected in education-based athletics." A complete listing of the baseball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at nfhs.org. The print version of the 2027 rules book will be available for purchase in October at NFHS.com, and the digital version will be available in September via NFHS Digital. According to the 2024-25 NFHS high school athletics participation survey, baseball is the fifth-most popular sport for boys in the U.S. Those survey numbers showed a total of 472,598 boys participating at 16,110 schools across the country. In addition, 1,381 girls played high school baseball.