National Collegiate Athletic Association

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The NCAA News -- August 16, 1999

Baseball panel votes to keep championship in Montgomery

The Division II Baseball Committee voted to continue holding the Division II Baseball Championship in Montgomery, Alabama, through 2004.

The committee, which met July 6-9 in Kansas City, Missouri, noted the facilities and support of the tournament as critical elements for keeping the championship in Montgomery.

The committee also discussed other issues, including the television contract with Fox Sports South, which expired after the 1999 championship. The committee hopes that a new contract will be negotiated. Additionally, the committee is interested in having a local cable company televise preliminary games at the finals.

The committee also issued a statement to the NCAA Executive Committee concerning baseball bats, requesting a timely decision in order to allow schools time to purchase and receive bats.

In other actions, the committee:

Raised the number of rankings from three to four. The rankings will be issued on April 11, April 25, May 2 and May 9. The tournament selection conference call will be May 14.

Asked for a clarification from the Division II Championships Committee regarding predetermined sites in order to discuss the issue at a future meeting.

Voted to increase the number of credentials awarded to teams from 28 to 34.

Increased the number of coaches allowed in uniform from four to six. Additionally, the committee will allow 24 players on the bench, but reduced the number of players not in uniform from six to four.

Altered the procedures for breaking ties during regional play when games cannot be completed. When a tie cannot be broken in any other way, the higher-seeded team will advance to the championship.