News Summary

Montana’s high school baseball scene is set for an exciting 2025 season with ten new teams joining the league. Divided into four divisions, teams will compete in 14 conference games, culminating in a state tournament from May 22-24. The season kicked off on March 20 with thrilling matches, including a victory for Billings West. Despite challenges such as umpire shortages, enthusiasm is high among players and fans alike for this evolving sport in the state.

Exciting Times for High School Baseball in Montana!

Montana is gearing up for a thrilling season of high school baseball as the Montana High School Association (MHSA) embarks on its third season of varsity action. With the growing popularity of the sport, it’s no surprise that this season brings some exciting changes, including new teams and a revamped division structure!

New Faces Join the Lineup

This year, a total of ten new teams have joined the league, marking a significant expansion for high school baseball across the state. The Billings area has been particularly busy, with all four Billings high schools (that’s Central, Senior, Skyview, and West), along with Laurel and Huntley Project, joining the league for the upcoming 2025 season. As local teams make their debut, baseball aficionados can’t wait to see how these fresh faces will shake up the competition.

Divisions in Action

The 2025 season will see teams classified into four divisions: East, Central, South, and North. Each division features a mix of old and new teams, creating an exciting atmosphere for both players and fans.

  • Eastern Division: Billings Central, Billings Senior, Billings Skyview, Billings West, Columbus-Red Lodge-Park City, Huntley Project, Laurel, and Sidney-Fairview (8 teams)
  • Central Division: Belgrade, Butte, Butte Central, Dillon-Twin Bridges, East Helena, Livingston-Big Timber, Lone Peak, and Townsend (8 teams)
  • Southern Division: Corvallis, Florence, Frenchtown, Hamilton-Darby, Missoula Big Sky, Missoula Hellgate, Missoula Sentinel, St. Ignatius-Arlee-Charlo, and Stevensville (9 teams)
  • Northern Division: Bigfork, Browning-Heart Butte, Columbia Falls, Eureka, Plains-Hot Springs, Polson, Ronan, Thompson Falls-Noxon, Troy, and Whitefish (10 teams)

Get Ready to Play Ball!

Every team will play 14 conference games this season, though the schedule can differ based on the division. Teams in the East and Central divisions will face off twice, while the North and South divisions will have a different game format due to the number of participants. It’s bound to create some thrilling matchups as teams strive for victory!

The State Tournament is Around the Corner

Baseball lovers mark your calendars! The state tournament is set to take place from May 22-24 at the Vester Wilson Athletic Complex in Hamilton. Teams will duke it out in an eight-team, double-elimination bracket, with the division champions securing four automatic berths. And for the second year, there will be thrilling cross-divisional play-in games to determine the remaining four slots – making it even more competitive!

Pitching Limits and Umpire Shortages

In an effort to keep players safe and healthy, there are no major rule changes for the season. Pitcher limitations remain in place at 110 pitches in a single game or day, and 100 pitches over two consecutive days. To protect young arms, pitch counts are limited to 88 or less until the fifth week of the season. But as the sport continues to grow, there are challenges too, like an ongoing shortage of umpires that might affect the smooth running of games.

Historic Season Kicks Off

Excitement filled the air when the opening game kicked off on March 20, with Billings West taking on Billings Skyview at Musburger Field. In a thrilling encounter, Billings West emerged victorious with a final score of 14-11. Players relished the experience of being part of a historic moment as their high school baseball teams made their mark on the season.

In Missoula, the Missoula AA schools also kicked off their season, with Missoula Big Sky challenging Butte to a tightly contested match. Big Sky triumphed, finishing the game at 6-4. The energy of the games was palpable, with coaches and players cherishing the unique vibe of their inaugural match.

As Montana’s high school baseball scene continues to expand and evolve, everyone is eager to witness the thrilling action that awaits on the field this season. Who will rise to the top? Fans will be glued to their seats as they rally behind their favorite teams.

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