The New York Yankees achieved a franchise record by hitting 9 home runs in a 20-9 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers, with particular attention on the innovative bats being used by some players. Designed through two years of research led by former MIT physicist Aaron Leanhardt, these torpedo-shaped bats are customized to enhance performance by optimizing weight distribution for where players make contact with the ball.
Leanhardt, who joined the Yankees in 2022 and has a background in electrical engineering and physics, noted that the design focuses on increasing the bat’s density in areas most likely to make contact. MLB rules state that while experimental bats can be used, they must be approved for compliance. Leanhardt emphasized that the success of the bat design is a collective effort involving players, coaches, MLB, and bat manufacturers.
Despite some players experiencing injuries, Leanhardt refrained from discussing specific cases, directing questions regarding injuries to medical professionals. He expressed excitement about the newfound popularity of the bats, which have started to gain traction since last season, largely fueled by the team’s recent performance. The process to create and produce these bats has required extensive collaboration with bat manufacturers to ensure quality and compliance with MLB regulations.
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