Eustis, Fla. — For the first time since 2009, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) baseball regional playoffs have returned to a best-of-three series format—and by nearly every measure, it’s been a resounding success.

After a 10-3 vote by the FHSAA Board of Directors last September, the 2025 postseason has brought with it not only a shift in structure but a wave of excitement that’s been felt across the state. Under the new rules, all regional quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals are played as best-of-three series, with the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 2 and the lower seed hosting Game 3 if necessary.

Eustis High School baseball coach Tony Thomas has been vocal about the fact that he believes this is having a positive impact on the game. “I like the new playoff format from multiple aspects. As a coach, it’s a lot more strategic—setting up pitching rotations and lineups becomes crucial. It really brings out the team aspect of the game.” Coach Thomas went on to say “It’s a game-changer, Now it’s not just about who’s hot on one night. You have to be consistent, you have to adjust, and you’ve got to manage your pitching like never before.”

(The Villages Torin Foley. The Villages took advantage of the new format by winning the first two games of the series and resting their starting pitchers. The Villages, despite being the #3 seed played all their first round games on the road at Palatka High who was the #6 seed but Palatka won their district championship and played host. It is possible for The Villages to get to the State Final Four and not host one playoff game which is very rare to have happen.)

The FHSAA previously implemented a best-of-three series—but only in the regional finals—in 2008 and 2009. That experiment was short-lived, cut due to financial constraints amid the Great Recession. Since then, Florida’s regional playoffs have remained single-elimination—until now.

The early returns? Electric.

Three Lake County Schools are in winner take all game three’s tonight. Eustis High School and Umatilla will both play at home for a chance at the FHSAA Regional Semifinals while Mount Dora High will travel to Lake Wales in a game 3. Meanwhile MDCA, The Villages, South Sumter have all punched their ticket with Lake Minneola trying to stay alive at home this evening against Melbourne High. It’s been an incredible experience.

(Players have been embracing the new three-game-series and have been having fun. It really makes it feel special. Photo Credit – Joe Ott.)

Fans have packed stadiums from the Panhandle to South Florida. Underdogs have taken Game 1s, only to watch powerhouse programs battle back in Game 2. Several matchups have already gone the distance to a deciding Game 3, creating unforgettable atmospheres under the lights.

The format has also shined a light on the value of depth and coaching. Programs with multiple quality arms now have a tangible advantage, while dugouts are buzzing with strategic conversations about rest days, pitch counts, and bullpen matchups.

“I told our guys: this is real baseball,” said Eustis High Baseball coach Tony Thomas “You can’t just throw your ace and hope for the best. This is a series. You’ve got to manage innings, momentum, and emotions. Now instead of one hot arm getting it done the last few games of the year, everyone has to contribute and I think that’s having a positive impact because by the time we get to the Final Four you will have the top four teams in each class which is important.” says Thomas.

(Eustis High School Baseball Coach Tony Thomas talks to an umpire. Under last years rules Eustis would have been eliminated already but now they are fighting for a spot in the FHSAA Regional Semifinals under the new rules.)

Coaches can opt to play Games 1 and 2 as a doubleheader if both agree, a feature that has helped with travel logistics and academic considerations. The potential for a Game 3 at the lower-seeded school has also provided a unique twist, giving some teams a chance to host a winner-take-all showdown in front of their home fans just like Umatilla High School and Eustis High School will be doing. It also allows for more revenue for the schools with concession sales and gate attendance.

While concerns on cost for bus trips for school’s that require longer distances to travel, the overall consensus among parents and people I have talked to is that the have come to enjoy this format. A team like Eustis High School would have been eliminated last year due to losing the first game of the series 3-2. But they came back in game two and won 8-6 to force a winner-take all game 3. The strategy has been fun to watch and I am all here for it.

Overall this has been a huge accomplishment and I commend the FHSAA for implementing this new playoff format. I hope it’s around for many years to come. Three game series are the perfect combo for the post season and it does not need to be more than that.

What are your thoughts? Do you like th new FHSAA Baseball Playoff procedure? Let us know in the comments below.