During the fall of 2024, the NCAA made a decision to decrease the number of Division 1 baseball roster spots from 40 to 34 beginning for the 2025 season. In addition, the number of scholarship players increased to allow all 34 rostered players to receive full scholarships instead of splitting 11.7 scholarships, as was previously allowed.
On the surface, this rule appears to be a plus. For years, Division 1 coaches, spearheaded by Hall of Fame coach Ron Polk, have been pleading with the NCAA to raise the number of scholarship money offered.
However, where there is a positive action, there is also a negative reaction. Due to this rule change, teams have had to cut and/or inform would-be incoming commits that they will not be part of their respective programs. Top-level Division 1 programs have the ability and finances to snatch the best prep/high school players, including those from the NEPSAC. However, most mid-majors have chosen not to increase the scholarship money allotted to players.
With NEPSAC schools sending more of their student-athletes to Division 1 programs, New England Baseball Journal has reached out to four of the most successful NEPSAC coaches to find out how the NCAA rule changes are affecting their respective programs. In Part 1, Avon Old Farms head coach Rob Dowling and Lawrence Academy head coach Chris Margraf share their thoughts.
