Since 1965, the maximum amount of games played for baseball and softball teams in Kansas has been 20 games, but for the first time in 58 years, that will change.

On Wednesday, the KSHSAA held a Board of Directors meeting and passed the increase of maximum amount of baseball and softball games from 20 to 26 games.

This change will be effective immediately and athletic directors and coaches are allowed to immediately seek more games for the 2023 season. Teams can still play 20 if they choose to not add any games to their schedule.

The push for more baseball and softball games has been something at the forefront of legislation in Kansas High School athletics for some time.

Last April, the same vote took place with the expansion being shut down by a singular vote (33-32). This time around there was a major change of heart with likely tons of people writing to the Board to change their minds next time around and they did just that. The baseball vote passed 42-17 and the softball vote passed 48-11.

Surrounding states all had larger maximum games allowed with Missouri allowing 26, Oklahoma allows 37 and Iowa allows 40.