To further enhance the safety and experience of its participants, the Little League International Tournament Committee has approved the use of a double first base at all Little League Baseball and Softball Region and World Series tournaments in 2025.

“Safety has, and will always remain, a top priority for us at Little League and as we think about ways to continue to enhance our event each year, the addition of a double first base provides a great opportunity for us to increase safety while not impacting the experience of our participants,” said Dan Velte, Little League Vice President of Operations and International Tournament Director. “With the use of the double first base becoming more prevalent in both the high school and collegiate level, the use of a double first base has become quickly adapted into the game, and we look forward to the enhancements it will provide to our teams throughout the summer as part of our events.”

Guidelines for using the double first base, which our outlined in full in the Little League Official Regulations, Playing Rules, and Operating Policies, includes:

– A batted ball that hits the white section of the double base shall be declared fair. A batted ball that hits the colored section without first touching or bounding over the white section shall be declared foul.

– Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the defense must use the white section of the double first base, and the batter-runner must use the colored section of the base, except in the case of an uncaught third strike in the Majors, Intermediate (50/70) Division, Junior, and Senior League Divisions. On an uncaught third strike, both the defense and the batter-runner runner may use either part of the base.

– If there is a play on the batter-runner, and the batter-runner touches only the white portion and the defense appeals prior to the batter-runner returning to first base, it is treated the same as missing the base. (PENALTY: Batter-runner is out.)

– On extra-base hits or other balls hit to the outfield when there is no chance for a play to be made at the double first base, the batter-runner may touch either the white or colored section of the base. Should, however, the batter-runner reach and go beyond first base, he/she may only return to the white section of the base.

– Once the batter-runner reaches first base, they shall only use the white part of the base. This includes returning to the base at any time, such as a pick-off attempt, when tagging up on a fly-ball, and remaining in contact with the base on a pitched ball.

– Use of the double first base does not change any other rule concerning interference or obstruction at first base.

The 2025 Little League Softball Region Tournaments kicked off on July 19 while the Little League Baseball Region tournaments are set to begin on Thursday, July 31, with the Southeast and Southwest Region Tournaments. The 2025 Little League Softball World Series will run from August 3-10 in Greenville, North Carolina, while the Little League Baseball World Series will take place on August 13-24, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.