Baseball players and coaches at Prescott, Bradshaw Mountain, Chino Valley, and Mayer will have to deal with a couple of new rules starting in the 2025 season. Players who use non-wood bats will have more opportunities to use substances to enhance their grip on the bat.
The new rule comes from the National Federation of State High School Associations. NFHS Director of Sports Elliot Hopkins said on the organization’s website, “For years, players using wood bats had the luxury of being allowed to use substances that ensure better grip. Both styles of bats can now enjoy the ability to improve their grip and hold while not interfering with the ball-striking area of the bat.”
Another rule change stipulates if an ejected coach or other team staff member is not removed from the game, that team will forfeit the contest.