The Yankees Introduce Their Torpedo Bats

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The Yankees' new bats have been gaining attention since their season-opening game against the Milwaukee Brewers, where the New York team hit nine home runs, tying a franchise record. This impressive performance, which included a 20-9 victory, has raised questions about the legality and design of these innovative bats.

An explosive start to the game

The game started with an immediate impact: Brewers pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr.'s first three pitches were turned into home runs by Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt, and Cody Bellinger. Later in the same inning, Austin Wells added a fourth home run, marking a historical milestone for the Yankees by hitting four home runs in a single inning.

What's so special about the new bats?

The Yankees' new bats were designed by Aaron Leanhardt, a former MIT physicist turned baseball coach. These bats They feature a wider, thicker barrel, nicknamed “torpedo,” which increases mass in the contact zone with the ball, reducing the chances of missing a swing.

Not all of the game's home runs were hit with these bats, as some players used standard models. However, the record-breaking performance has put the spotlight on this innovation.

Are they legal in the MLB?

Major League Baseball (MLB) strictly regulates bats under Rule 3.02, which requires that they be made of a single piece of wood, with a maximum diameter of 2.61 inches and a length less than 42 inches. In addition, experimental designs must be previously approvedAn MLB spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic that the Yankees' new bats comply with regulations, clearing up doubts about their use.

This isn't the first time a bat has revolutionized baseball. In the 1990s, Joe Carter popularized maple bats, which Barry Bonds brought to fame in 2001 by hitting 73 home runs in a single season (although he was also linked to steroid use).

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Fountain: NPR