SPORTS
Unusual Bats Making Waves in Major League Baseball
USATue Apr 01 2025
Baseball is buzzing about a new type of bat. These bats are not like the ones you usually see. They have a unique shape. They are called torpedo bats. They have been used in Major League Baseball for a few years. Many people are just now hearing about them.
The Cincinnati Reds shortstop, Elly De La Cruz, decided to give them a try. He hit the ball really well with them. He hit four out of five times. He hit two home runs and a double. He also helped his team score seven runs. He said he liked how the bat felt. He wanted to see if it would help him hit better. It did.
The bats have been around for a while. But, they are just now getting a lot of attention. The New York Yankees used them in a big game. They hit nine home runs. They won the game. This got people talking. The bats are not new. They have been used in games for a few years.
The bats are different from the ones usually used. They have a special shape. They are made of birch wood. The part of the bat that hits the ball is closer to the handle. This is called the sweet spot. The bats are designed to help hitters make better contact with the ball. This is important because pitchers are throwing the ball faster and with more tricks.
The bats are legal in Major League Baseball. Players are asking for their own versions. Stores are selling them to the public. Some bats are made for specific players. They cost a lot of money. Some bats cost $239. This is a lot of money for a bat.
The bats are not for everyone. Some players like them. Some players do not. The Houston Astros manager has not seen one. He does not know if his players will use them. The Reds manager thinks the bats might not make a big difference. The Dodgers manager has not looked into them. He does not know if his players will use them.
The bats might be a fad. They might go away. Or, they might stick around. Time will tell. Some players are giving them a try. Some players are not. The bats are a new thing in baseball. They are getting a lot of attention. But, they might not be here to stay. Only time will tell.
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questions
What empirical evidence supports the claim that torpedo bats help hitters make truer contact with the ball?
Are there any secret performance-enhancing materials being used in the construction of these bats that aren't being disclosed to the public?
How do the new torpedo bats comply with Major League Baseball's regulations, and what changes might be needed if they become widely adopted?
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