MSHSAA shakes up state baseball playoffs: Series play coming to Class 5 and 6

On June 13, 2024, the MSHSAA Board of Directors approved a historic change to the Class 5 and 6 baseball postseason, transitioning the quarterfinals from a single-game elimination to a best-of-three series starting in 2025.

The Missouri high school baseball landscape is set for a significant shake-up in 2025, as the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has announced a major format change for its Class 5 and 6 state playoffs.

Beginning next season, the quarterfinal round will transition from a single-elimination game to a best-of-three series.

This historic decision, approved by the MSHSAA Board of Directors on June 13, 2024, and backed by a majority of member schools in a recent survey, promises to add a new layer of excitement and strategy to the postseason.

On MSHSAA’s 2024 annual questionnaire, 57.4% of member schools voted in favor of this change.

Why the Change?

The primary catalyst for this change is the absence of a sectional round in Classes 5 and 6, unlike Classes 1 through 4. This discrepancy meant that teams in the larger classifications played one fewer postseason game than their smaller-school counterparts.

Moreover, the lack of a sectional round created a potential advantage for teams with a dominant pitcher. Without the additional game, these aces could conceivably pitch in the district championship, quarterfinal, and semifinal games without violating pitch count restrictions. This placed a greater emphasis on individual pitching prowess rather than the overall depth and strength of a team's roster.

The new best-of-three series format in the quarterfinals aims to rectify these issues. By adding an extra round to the Class 5 and 6 playoffs, it ensures a more equitable number of games across all classifications. Additionally, the series format necessitates the use of multiple pitchers, encouraging teams to develop a deeper and more versatile staff.

What to Expect in 2025

Under the new format, the Class 5 and 6 quarterfinal series will be played over two days, with Game 1 scheduled for May 30 and Games 2 and 3 (if necessary) on May 31. Classes 1-4 will continue with a one-game quarterfinal.

The Road Ahead

MSHSAA believes this change will enhance the competitive landscape of the playoff.

States like Texas, California, and Florida have already embraced series formats in their playoffs, reporting increased fan engagement, improved player development, and a more accurate reflection of team strength over the course of a series.

This bold move by the MSHSAA signals a commitment to modernizing the sport and aligning Missouri with the growing national trend.