MITCHELL — A number of changes are coming to South Dakota state amateur baseball this season.

Starting this season, the district champions of each league can no longer face a Rep. 1 (district runner-up) in the first round of the Class B state tournament.

The district champions will be drawn first during the tournament pairings show, followed by the Rep. 1’s of each league in an open first round slot. The district champions and Rep. 1’s in each league will be separated in the top and bottom halves of the bracket.

A new rule is being implemented regarding courtesy runners for pitchers during district and state tournament games. The new rule allows teams to use a courtesy runner for its pitcher, but must be a different player than the courtesy runner for the catcher. The rule was adopted to speed up the completion of games.

The number of representatives have also changed from last season. District 1 (Eastern Dakota League), which had five representatives last season, will now have four reps for the state tournament. District 7 (State Line League) has gained another representative with the addition of two new teams (Valley Springs Dogs and North Sioux City Phoenix), totaling five selections for the state tourney.

Baltic, which was previously in Class A, has moved down to Class B and is now part of the Cornbelt League.

The Class A state tournament first round games will be played in Yankton this season.

The South Dakota Amateur Baseball Association is also accepting bids for the 2028 SDABA state tournament. Notice of the bid process will be provided in the near future. Currently, Cadwell Park in Mitchell is the host site for the 2026 and ‘27 state amateur baseball tournaments.

And the Class A and B state championship trophies will now be renamed to the “Dale Weber Championship Trophy”, in honor of the late Dale Weber, the long time president of SDABA, who passed away in February.