MLB commissioner Rob Manfred believes torpedo bats, which some teams, like the Yankees, are using to fuel their early-season success, are actually beneficial for baseball. He mentioned in a recent interview with The New York Times that these bats spark controversy, which can revitalize interest in the game at a time when viewership is waning.
Manfred doesn’t think the league favors any specific team, despite what some conspiracy fans might suggest. He points out that the buzz around these bats shows how baseball still captures public imagination. “People get really excited about something that might not seem significant at first,” he said. "But the bats meet the established rules."
Torpedo bats are designed with the sweet spot tailored to each player’s style. Manfred explained that players have been adapting their bats for years. This ongoing discussion shows that baseball is more than just numbers; it’s rooted in cultural significance.
Recently, several pitchers expressed frustration over these bats during the season opener, where the Yankees made a splash by hitting 15 home runs in a three-game series against the Brewers—tying an MLB record. Included in this mix was Giancarlo Stanton, who had an impressive postseason run the year before but is currently sidelined with an elbow injury. When asked about the torpedo bats, he didn’t see a connection.
In sports, there’s often talk about changing rules to promote scoring and keep fans engaged. Manfred clarified, however, that the goal is not just to increase home runs but also to reduce downtime during games. He noted the importance of athleticism in baseball. Recent surveys reveal that fans appreciate seeing players’ athletic skills in action, whether through stolen bases or defensive plays. The league aims to emphasize these aspects of the game to maintain excitement.
As baseball navigates these changes, it will be interesting to see how torpedo bats affect gameplay and fan engagement as the season unfolds.
Check out this related article: Exclusive Report: Why the Patriots Considered Trading Joe Milton III Ahead of Offseason Program
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