Legendary New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, a future Hall of Famer, witnessed a power show at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, March 29, just after throwing the first pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers. What followed was an impressive display of offensive power, with the Yankees hitting nine home runs, dangerously close to the major league record for a single game.
This display of power, partly attributed to the use of innovative “torpedo” bats, has generated a wave of conversation throughout baseball. Sabathia, with his vast experience and unique perspective, didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts on this new trend that is revolutionizing the game.
The Yankees‘ offensive explosion, which saw them set an MLB record with 18 home runs in their first four games, has put the spotlight on “torpedo” bats. These bats, designed to maximize exit velocity and distance, have been adopted by several players around the league, including five of the nine Yankees who contributed to that initial record: Cody Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Paul Goldschmidt, Anthony Volpe, and Austin Wells.
Volpe, in particular, has had an explosive start to the season, tied with Aaron Judge for the team’s home run lead, highlighting the immediate impact of this new technology. The Yankees‘ quick adaptation to these bats has generated both admiration and controversy, with many baseball observers debating their impact on the balance of the game.
CC. Sabathia throws out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of Game One of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and the New York Yankeesat Yankee Stadium on October 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
CC Sabathia on the ‘Torpedo’ bat revolution
“I think it’s great,” Sabathia toldFox News Digital while discussing his partnership with Xyzal as the new season begins. “I think so much stuff has been innovative for pitchers. We have so many things where the stuff is getting better, guys are throwing harder than ever.”
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The former star pitcher expressed satisfaction at seeing an increase in offense, an aspect baseball has been trying to revitalize for years. “If it all helps, I think for the longest time we’ve been trying to figure out how to get offense back in the game. Move the pitcher’s mound back, make the baseball bigger, all these different things to come back. You know how good pitching is. We get one good thing for hitters and then everybody freaked out. But everybody freaked out because it was the Yankees.”
The impact of the “Torpedo” bats in MLB
The adoption of “torpedo” bats has not only benefited the Yankees, but has also sparked a broader debate about the balance between hitting and pitching in MLB.
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While some argue that these bats are throwing the game off balance, others, like Sabathia, see this innovation as a necessary response to the growing dominance of pitchers. The season is just beginning, but it’s already clear that torpedo bats are here to stay, and their impact on the game will be a constant talking point throughout the year.
