Beginning in 2027, high school baseball will require a double first base—a split base with one half in fair territory and the other in foul. The goal? Player safety, first and foremost.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced the change in late June. Elliot Hopkins, the NFHS Director of Sports, said the decision was made to reduce the risk of collisions at first base—especially on close plays and force-outs. The change also provides clearer rulings on fair or foul balls that strike the base.
It’s already a familiar sight in many youth and recreational leagues. Now, high schoolers will follow suit—and in my opinion, it’s long overdue.
Let’s Be Honest: If It Makes the Game Safer for Kids, Why Not?
I love baseball. It’s timeless, and the fundamentals haven’t changed much in a hundred years. But when tradition starts causing injuries, it’s time to make room for a little common sense.
The double first base gives runners a clear lane to run through, and it gives fielders a clear spot to plant and receive the throw. That alone is enough to prevent a good number of dangerous mid-play collisions.
And what do we lose? Nothing, really.
It’s still 90 feet to first. The batter still gets thrown out or safe the same way. The integrity of the game stays intact—just with fewer ankle sprains, fewer elbow bruises, and fewer postgame trips to urgent care.
Especially Important in Small-Town Programs
In communities like ours, every player counts. Small rosters and tight schedules don’t leave much room for injury time. If a move like this can keep a first baseman off crutches—or a leadoff hitter from missing two weeks—it’s a win for everyone involved.
Plus, it’s easier on umpires, too. The colored foul side of the base can’t be used by fielders, and balls hitting it are clearly foul. It’s a cleaner rule, easier to enforce, and likely to reduce arguments on tight plays.
Bottom Line
This isn’t about changing the game. It’s about protecting the kids who play it.
Baseball’s not broken. But it is evolving. And when that evolution makes the sport safer—without sacrificing the things that make it great—then I say: bring it on.