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Yankees' Torpedo Bat Fuels MLB Home Run Surge
Yankees' Torpedo Bats Spark MLB Home Run Surge and Debate
NEW YORK (AP) — A new bat design, dubbed the "torpedo bat" or "bowling pin bat," is generating a buzz in Major League Baseball after the New York Yankees’ record-breaking home run performance over opening weekend. The Yankees hit a team-record 15 home runs in their first three games, tying the 2006 Detroit Tigers for the most in major league history. Nine of those home runs were hit by five Yankees using the uniquely shaped bats: Jazz Chisholm Jr. (three), Anthony Volpe (two), Austin Wells (two), Cody Bellinger (one), and Paul Goldschmidt (one).
The bat, designed by former Yankees minor league hitting coordinator and current Miami Marlins field coordinator Aaron Leanhardt, redistributes weight from the end of the bat towards the area 6-7 inches below the tip, where major league players typically make contact. This design, Leanhardt explained, increases the mass in the "sweet spot" without significantly impacting swing speed. The concept was initially met with skepticism, but Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton, known for his high bat velocity, embraced the bat and used it successfully in the 2024 postseason.
The innovation has sparked both excitement and controversy. Some players and fans have questioned the bat's legality, with Brewers reliever Trevor Megill comparing them to slow-pitch softball bats. However, the bats comply with MLB regulations on shape, barrel size, and length. The design’s impact on the game is still being debated. While some attribute the Yankees' homer surge to the bats, others, like Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich, emphasized the Yankees’ strong players as the primary factor.
The torpedo bat's success has prompted other players and teams to experiment with the design. Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz used a torpedo bat for the first time on Monday, hitting two home runs and driving in a career-high seven RBIs. Philadelphia Phillies' Alec Bohm also tried the bat, but reported limited success. Several manufacturers, including Victus Sports, Marucci Sports, and Chandler Bats, have begun selling torpedo bats online.
While the long-term impact remains uncertain, the torpedo bat’s quick adoption highlights baseball’s ongoing search for technological advantages. Leanhardt himself stresses that the bat's effectiveness depends ultimately on the hitter's skill and coaching. However, the initial results, combined with player interest, suggest the torpedo bat could significantly influence the game going forward. Other teams, including the Marlins, Cubs, and Orioles, are also exploring the use of this innovative bat design.
NEW YORK (AP) — A new bat design, dubbed the "torpedo bat" or "bowling pin bat," is generating a buzz in Major League Baseball after the New York Yankees’ record-breaking home run performance over opening weekend. The Yankees hit a team-record 15 home runs in their first three games, tying the 2006 Detroit Tigers for the most in major league history. Nine of those home runs were hit by five Yankees using the uniquely shaped bats: Jazz Chisholm Jr. (three), Anthony Volpe (two), Austin Wells (two), Cody Bellinger (one), and Paul Goldschmidt (one).
The bat, designed by former Yankees minor league hitting coordinator and current Miami Marlins field coordinator Aaron Leanhardt, redistributes weight from the end of the bat towards the area 6-7 inches below the tip, where major league players typically make contact. This design, Leanhardt explained, increases the mass in the "sweet spot" without significantly impacting swing speed. The concept was initially met with skepticism, but Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton, known for his high bat velocity, embraced the bat and used it successfully in the 2024 postseason.
The innovation has sparked both excitement and controversy. Some players and fans have questioned the bat's legality, with Brewers reliever Trevor Megill comparing them to slow-pitch softball bats. However, the bats comply with MLB regulations on shape, barrel size, and length. The design’s impact on the game is still being debated. While some attribute the Yankees' homer surge to the bats, others, like Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich, emphasized the Yankees’ strong players as the primary factor.
The torpedo bat's success has prompted other players and teams to experiment with the design. Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz used a torpedo bat for the first time on Monday, hitting two home runs and driving in a career-high seven RBIs. Philadelphia Phillies' Alec Bohm also tried the bat, but reported limited success. Several manufacturers, including Victus Sports, Marucci Sports, and Chandler Bats, have begun selling torpedo bats online.
While the long-term impact remains uncertain, the torpedo bat’s quick adoption highlights baseball’s ongoing search for technological advantages. Leanhardt himself stresses that the bat's effectiveness depends ultimately on the hitter's skill and coaching. However, the initial results, combined with player interest, suggest the torpedo bat could significantly influence the game going forward. Other teams, including the Marlins, Cubs, and Orioles, are also exploring the use of this innovative bat design.
