Seeing Double On First: NFHS To Add Additional Base in 2027

ZANESVILLE, OH – You will not be seeing double when the 2027 high school baseball season rolls around, though it might seem that way.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) baseball rules committee has announced that in two years’ time, a double first base will be required to limit injuries between baserunners and fielders.

New language notes that the new bag must be a “contrasting solid color” to the original white base, and that there will be no space between the two adjacent bases.

As part of the new rule, a batter, turned runner, will utilize the additional bag on any play, unless a fielder is drawn into foul territory on a dropped third strike. Once the runner reaches first safely, the white bag will be utilized as is normal.

“Adding the double first base is symbolic to the evolution of the sport” says Elliot Hopkins, director of sports and liaison to the baseball rules committee. “By reducing collisions and enhancing safety, it preserves both the integrity of competition and the well-being of those who play.”

The NFHS also says that interference will be called on runners if they only touch the white portion on a force play and collide with the fielder at first, while the same will be enforced if a defensive player only touches the colored base.

The high school sports governing body also confirms that a batted ball will only be considered “fair” and “in play” if it goes over the white base, but “foul” and “out of play” if it goes over the colored base.

High school baseball fields will have a bit of a different look when we reach the 2027 spring sports season.