NOTE: Due to the cancellation of spring sports last year because of the Coronavirus, the 2020 NFHS Baseball Rules will be used for the 2021 season. The Rules Changes written last year will apply for the 2021 season. These changes, which all reference the 2020 NFHS Baseball Rules Book, will be in effect for the 2021 season.
3-1-4: Designated Hitter (DH) can be used in two ways. The DH can be listed as the tenth starter replacing one of the other nine players when it is their turn to bat. The other method is that that any one of the starting defensive players can be their own DH (in effect having two positions) within the confines of the rule requirements.
Rationale: This rule change assists coaches with an alternative to keep their better players in the game to contribute to the offensive output of the team and give another player a chance to participate on defense. In addition, considering the pitch count rules, this change would help pitchers to keep their bat in the game, but can come out of the game defensively to protect their arms from overuse.
2020 BASEBALL EDITORIAL CHANGES
1-3-2b1, 3-1-1, 4-1-3b, 4-2-4, 5-1-1f5, 7-4-1, 8-3-3c, Dead Ball and Delayed Dead Ball Table, Baserunning Awards Table and Rules by State Association Adoption
2020 BASEBALL POINTS OF EMPHASIS
- Game Ending Procedures
- Player/Designated Hitter
- Proper Pitching Positions
- Force Play Slide Rule
- Enforcement of NFHS Jewelry Rule
- Compliance of Player’s Equipment
https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/baseball-rules-changes-2023/