High School Baseball Embraces Communication Technology: A Game-Changer for Coaches and Catchers

A tiny electronic device is revolutionizing high school baseball this season, as the National Federation of State High School Associations has approved the use of one-way communication devices during games. Catchers now wear an earpiece that allows coaches to deliver verbal instructions in real-time, streamlining the game for many teams in the Daily News coverage area.

Harvard-Westlake head coach Jared Halpert expressed his excitement about the new technology, stating, “We can actually communicate — even while a play is going on — if we want something to change to the catcher, who’s essentially going to make a lot of the decisions on the field.”

The NFHS Board of Directors approved the change to maintain the balance between offense and defense, increase the pace of play, and ensure a level playing field for all teams. The electronic communication system consists of a receiver pack tucked into the catcher’s chest piece with an attached ear tube, allowing coaches to deliver instructions from the dugout.

Players have quickly embraced the new system, with Chaminade catcher Caydin Wilson noting, “It’s a noise-cancellation earpiece, but it doesn’t feel like anything’s there.” The rapid communication has allowed teams to push the tempo and improve their rhythm on the field.

While some teams have fully embraced the new technology, others like Westlake are holding off on the change, citing successful communication methods already in place. However, it is likely that more teams will adopt the communication devices in the future to stay competitive.

Overall, the introduction of communication devices in high school baseball is aligning the game more closely with the college and professional levels, preparing players for the next level of competition. As the technology continues to evolve, it seems that communication devices are here to stay in high school baseball.