News Summary

In a recent meeting, the SDHSAA board decided to postpone the sanctioning of high school baseball in South Dakota, highlighting concerns about funding and enrollment. Many schools face significant barriers, with only a fraction expressing readiness to establish baseball teams. The board plans to revisit the situation in future meetings while maintaining community dialogue surrounding the sport’s potential introduction.

Bismarck, South Dakota – A Home Run for Discussion but No Baseball This Time

In a recent gathering that had many local baseball enthusiasts hoping for a grand announcement, the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) board of directors decided to delay the sanctioning of high school baseball. This meeting took place on June 18, 2025, and while there was excitement in the air, the board ultimately decided that now is not the time to bring this beloved sport into the high school fold.

A Glimpse into the Situation

As of now, South Dakota and its neighboring state, Wyoming, stand out as the only two states in the United States without state-sanctioned high school baseball. Even though many have expressed their desire for the sport to be included, the SDHSAA discovered that a number of schools are grappling with significant obstacles that have led to the decision to pause any advancement toward sanctioning at this time.

The Voice of the Schools

In order to gauge the interest and readiness for high school baseball, the SDHSAA conducted an insightful survey targeting district superintendents and athletic directors. The response rate was quite impressive, with 100 individuals taking the time to share their thoughts. However, the feedback wasn’t entirely positive. A whopping 70% of the respondents voiced concerns about limited funding and budget issues, along with concerns about declining student enrollment. These factors, combined, formed a pretty powerful barrier against the prospect of introducing high school baseball.

Furthermore, a significant portion of the survey respondents highlighted that adding a new sport may not be the best look, especially if it comes at a time when teaching positions are being cut. In fact, 53% of the responders raised this issue as part of their reasoning against sanctioning baseball. Another 47% expressed doubts about whether enough students could be gathered to even field a team. This puts the decision in a tricky spot, as it’s clear many would love to see baseball thrive, but practicality reigns supreme in the boardroom.

Future Possibilities

Looking ahead, the data shows intriguing possibilities. Only 18% of schools indicated they would be very likely to create a baseball team if the sport were sanctioned for the spring of 2027. However, if the timeline shifted to spring 2028, that number interestingly climbed to 34%.

It’s crucial to note that the financial implications have been carefully estimated, with starting a high school baseball program averaging around $15,000 per school, not including transportation costs. As schools gear up to add more teams, total expenditures could skyrocket to between $50,000 and $60,000. Diving into these financial waters requires careful consideration and planning.

A Balancing Act

Another layer to this conversation is the scheduling of high school seasons. As baseball enthusiasts know, summer baseball programs run by local organizations like VFW and Legion are established staples in many communities. For the SDHSAA, the challenge lies in creating a schedule that works for high school teams without stepping on the toes of these existing programs.

Moreover, the implications of losing classroom time for students who might be required to juggle sports and school obligations raise additional questions. Many small schools worry that they might feel pressure to implement baseball despite the financial impracticalities. Thus, the board has decided to keep the dialogue open and continue monitoring any developments in Wyoming, which could potentially impact the conversation around baseball in South Dakota.

Keeping the Hope Alive

While the postponement of sanctioning high school baseball may be disappointing news for fans and budding players, the continued discussions illuminate the community’s heartwarming desire for this sport. The SDHSAA will reconvene during the summer meeting of high school associations to explore any new advancements and keep the hope for baseball alive.

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