New Baseball Rules Approved by NFSHS For 2028

The National Federation of State High School Associations has approved several baseball rule changes that will begin next season. Schools will now have the option of using either an 18-inch first base or a double first base to help reduce collisions and improve player safety. Coaches will also be allowed to use one-way electronic communication to relay pitch calls to the pitcher or catcher from the dugout. Other changes include banning designs on eye black, allowing coaches to use electronic scorebooks in the coach’s box, prohibiting most electronic devices on the field, and giving states the option to begin extra innings with a runner on second base. New bat certification standards will also take effect in 2028.  The IHSA would still have to adopt these changes, but it’s a good indicator of where the game is going.