Will Baseball & Softball Leagues Adopt Bigger Bases Like MLB?

Since Major League Baseball made the switch from 15” square bases to 18” square bases for the 2023 season the question remains, “will other baseball and softball leagues follow MLB’s lead and adopt bigger bases?” The guide below lists the current base-size policies for college, high school, and youth leagues.

The primary goal of the larger 18" bases is to reduce collisions/injuries by giving players more room to operate. The base-size increase allows fielders an extra 3 inches of space to stay out of harm's way from the baserunner when receiving throws.

Current Base-Size League/Association Rules

College (NCAA): Currently, both Baseball and Softball NCAA Rules Committees do not require the use of larger 18” bases. The next opportunity to review a base-size change will be in 2024.

High School (NFHS): The National Federation of State High School Associations do not require larger 18” bases. The NFHS has not indicated if/when they will make a base-size change ruling.

Little League Baseball & Softball: Does not require the use of larger 18” bases. Little League has not indicated if/when they will make a base-size change ruling.

Babe Ruth Baseball /Cal Ripken Baseball/Babe Ruth Softball: Does not require the use of larger 18” bases. A potential base-size change will be discussed by the rules committee at the next annual meeting, according to president and CEO Steve Tellefsen.

PONY Baseball & Softball: Pony updated its base-size ruling to state that bases shall not be smaller than 15 inches square. This change gives individual Pony leagues the option to change to larger 18” bases at their discretion.

American Legion Baseball: Does not require the use of larger 18” bases. American Legion Baseball has not indicated if/when they will make a base-size change ruling.

American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC): Does not require the use of larger 18” bases. The AABC has not indicated if/when they will make a base-size change ruling.

Dixie Boys/Majors Baseball: Does not require the use of larger 18” bases. Dixie Boys/Majors Baseball has not indicated if/when they will make a base-size change ruling.