Texas high school baseball and softball playoffs need overhaul

Columnist proposes double-elimination tournaments and best-of-three series for state championships

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a high school baseball or softball game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, angular shapes and planes of color, reflecting the complex and disjointed nature of the playoff format.A cubist interpretation of the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the current Texas high school baseball and softball playoff system.Elgin Today

The author argues that the current Texas high school baseball and softball playoff system is flawed, with too many state champions and a confusing format. He proposes a double-elimination tournament format in the early rounds, followed by best-of-three series for the state semifinals and finals, played at neutral sites. The goal is to create a more uniform and fair system that rewards the best teams.

Why it matters

The high school sports playoffs are a major part of the local sports culture in Texas, and the current format has drawn criticism for being overly complex and not truly determining the best teams. Rethinking the playoffs could make the system more equitable and exciting for players, coaches, and fans.

The details

Under the current system, the top four teams in each district for Classes 6A-2A advance to the playoffs, while the top two in each Class A district move on. In 6A-2A, the two postseason-qualifying schools with the largest enrollments in each district are placed into the Division I bracket, while the smaller schools compete in Division II. After five rounds of single-game or best-of-three series, the state championship games are decided in a single game format.

  • The state baseball and softball playoffs begin in April 2026.
  • This will be the second year of the current playoff format.

The players

University Interscholastic League (UIL)

The governing body for public high school sports in Texas.

Jason Chlapek

The area editor of the Elgin Courier and Taylor Press, who wrote the column proposing changes to the high school playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“If best-of-three series are available in earlier rounds, the University Interscholastic League should offer the same option for the state championship games— or adopt a uniform playoff format.”

— Jason Chlapek, Area Editor

“Under my double-elimination proposal, the state playoffs would last four weeks instead of six. It would also be more uniform, which means a superior team wouldn't suffer a fluke one-game loss to end their season. The best teams win double-elimination tournaments and bestof- three series.”

— Jason Chlapek, Area Editor

What’s next

The UIL will need to consider the proposed changes to the high school baseball and softball playoff format ahead of the 2027 season.

The takeaway

The current Texas high school baseball and softball playoff system is overly complex and does not consistently determine the best teams. Adopting a more streamlined double-elimination format with best-of-three series for the state finals could create a fairer and more exciting postseason experience.