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Jan 28, 2024

High school baseball teams to be allowed to use electronic communication devices to call, relay pitches

Aug 6, 2023 As technology becomes more and more prevalent in sports at the professional and college levels, the trickle down effect to high school sports is inevitable. Per the National Federation of

Aug 6, 2023

As technology becomes more and more prevalent in sports at the professional and college levels, the trickle down effect to high school sports is inevitable.

Per the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and in turn, the OHSAA, beginning with the 2024 season, high school baseball teams will be allowed to utilize one-way electronic communication devices for coaches in the dugout to communicate with the catcher and pitcher for the purpose of calling pitches during games.

The rule changes also clarify the use of wristbands with defensive shifts, hitting or base-running plays and pitching calls as non-electronic equipment for players to wear during games.

“I think it’s definitely a positive rule change,” said Lakeview head coach Cam Carson. “When the OHSAA released the rule, they said it’s moving the game forward with how it’s played in college and in the MLB, so I think it’ll help a lot. In high school, usually you’re going to get some miscommunications from time to time, so this will cut down on that.”

Ursuline head coach Paul Kempe agrees, especially for teams or programs with a significant number of younger players that may not have a lot of experience or haven’t built a ton of chemistry with other players on the team yet.

“Communication is a big thing, so if it’s something that’s going to help out young players with not a lot of experience and help keep them on the same page, then I think it’s beneficial,” Kempe said. “It’s the evolution of how, not just baseball, but sports are changing with technology. If teams are going to take advantage of these rule changes, and this technology is now legal and available to us, you’re doing it in the best interest of your program.”

Presently, most high school teams use hand signals or a number system to call and relay pitches during games.

But some coaches, like South Range’s Jim Hanek, are not in favor of the rule change to allow electronic communication devices. Hanek indicated that the Raiders would continue to use the number system for calling pitches that they’ve had in place.

“I’m an old school/new school guy, but at the same time, I don’t see an advantage with it,” Hanek said. “I guess the talk right now is that there’s a possible advantage (to using electronic devices) with runners on second base. Then it becomes very difficult, almost impossible, to steal signs. To me, I know it sounds negative, but that’s part of the game. Part of the game is changing your signs with a runner on second base, and the other part of the game is being able to help your hitter out when you’re on base.”

College and professional teams have the money and budget to purchase these kinds of devices. Hanek questions the affordability of them for most high school teams and programs.

“I haven’t priced it, but I have to imagine, with that technology being new and there not being a huge market for it other than MLB and college teams using it — I just can’t imagine the average high school budget can afford something like that,” Hanek said. “As a coach, I could see better ways to spend my money right now. It creates a socioeconomic tipping point, so to speak, because you have your schools that can afford it, and you have your schools that can’t afford it. I think that’s going to create a divide.”

Hanek also noted concern with the possibility of the technology being misused to create an improper advantage in-game.

While Hanek may not be in favor of the use of electronic communication devices for calling pitches, he does see the value of other types of technology in baseball. For example, slow-motion video analysis and data tracking to break down pitching and throwing mechanics for players, is something he feels provides helpful and valuable insight.

“There’s a place for it, no question,” Hanek said. “(This kind of technology) has benefited a lot of guys.”

However, that being said, Hanek said if his team is losing games or feels that they’re at a competitive disadvantage as a result of not using the communication devices, then it’s something he would look into.

“I have to do what I can to help my team compete at its best, but right now, in the immediate future, the advantage is very minimal or insignificant,” Hanek said. “So I don’t see that being an option for us.”

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