Sports
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Yankees' 'Torpedo' Bats Smash Home Run Records
Yankees' 'Torpedo' Bats Fuel Record-Breaking Home Run Spree
NEW YORK – The New York Yankees are off to a scorching start, shattering franchise and league records with a barrage of home runs fueled by a new, customized bat design dubbed the “torpedo.” In their opening three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Yankees hit a staggering 15 home runs, tying an MLB record and surpassing their previous franchise best of nine in a single game, achieved during Saturday’s 20-9 victory. This offensive explosion has captivated baseball fans and sparked intense debate about the innovative bat's impact.
The "torpedo" bat, developed by former Yankees analyst and now Marlins field coordinator Aaron "Lenny" Leanhardt, is a customized design that redistributes the weight of the bat. Instead of the traditional barrel swell, more wood is concentrated closer to the hitter's hands, precisely targeting their individual "sweet spot." This personalization, based on extensive player data analysis, allows for optimized bat performance. Yankees players like Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Austin Wells all utilized the torpedo bat during the weekend's games.
Chisholm, who hit two home runs on Sunday, described the bat as providing a feeling of having "more to work with," although he acknowledged that the increased exit velocity might not be scientifically measurable. Bellinger, a 2019 NL MVP, noted that the weight distribution felt lighter, improving his control and increasing the margin for error. Leanhardt explained the design philosophy as maximizing the weight and thickness of the barrel in the area where hitters aim to make the most impact.
While the Yankees are spearheading the "torpedo" bat trend, they are not alone. Other teams, including the Twins, Rays, and Orioles, have also experimented with the design. The Braves reportedly placed an order for the bats following the Yankees’ record-setting performance. However, not every Yankee player is on board. Aaron Judge, who hit four home runs over the weekend using a traditional bat, expressed no intention of switching, citing his consistent past performance.
MLB rules currently permit the "torpedo" bat, provided it adheres to regulations on size and material. Reactions across the league are mixed. Some pitchers, like Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill, voiced concerns, while others, including Manny Machado of the Padres and Cedric Mullins of the Orioles, expressed curiosity and even a touch of envy. The Yankees' explosive start has undeniably put the “torpedo” bat in the spotlight, raising questions about its potential impact on the future of baseball.
NEW YORK – The New York Yankees are off to a scorching start, shattering franchise and league records with a barrage of home runs fueled by a new, customized bat design dubbed the “torpedo.” In their opening three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Yankees hit a staggering 15 home runs, tying an MLB record and surpassing their previous franchise best of nine in a single game, achieved during Saturday’s 20-9 victory. This offensive explosion has captivated baseball fans and sparked intense debate about the innovative bat's impact.
The "torpedo" bat, developed by former Yankees analyst and now Marlins field coordinator Aaron "Lenny" Leanhardt, is a customized design that redistributes the weight of the bat. Instead of the traditional barrel swell, more wood is concentrated closer to the hitter's hands, precisely targeting their individual "sweet spot." This personalization, based on extensive player data analysis, allows for optimized bat performance. Yankees players like Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Austin Wells all utilized the torpedo bat during the weekend's games.
Chisholm, who hit two home runs on Sunday, described the bat as providing a feeling of having "more to work with," although he acknowledged that the increased exit velocity might not be scientifically measurable. Bellinger, a 2019 NL MVP, noted that the weight distribution felt lighter, improving his control and increasing the margin for error. Leanhardt explained the design philosophy as maximizing the weight and thickness of the barrel in the area where hitters aim to make the most impact.
While the Yankees are spearheading the "torpedo" bat trend, they are not alone. Other teams, including the Twins, Rays, and Orioles, have also experimented with the design. The Braves reportedly placed an order for the bats following the Yankees’ record-setting performance. However, not every Yankee player is on board. Aaron Judge, who hit four home runs over the weekend using a traditional bat, expressed no intention of switching, citing his consistent past performance.
MLB rules currently permit the "torpedo" bat, provided it adheres to regulations on size and material. Reactions across the league are mixed. Some pitchers, like Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill, voiced concerns, while others, including Manny Machado of the Padres and Cedric Mullins of the Orioles, expressed curiosity and even a touch of envy. The Yankees' explosive start has undeniably put the “torpedo” bat in the spotlight, raising questions about its potential impact on the future of baseball.
