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HISTORY114 - The History of MLB Bats

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My previous blog was about the science of baseball’s home runs, the complex interplay of physics, aerodynamics, and even the environment, including the key factors that affect home run distance, and how home run distance is measured today.   I promised a second article on, “What is all the ruckus about torpedo bats , that are supposed to increase a batter’s home run proficiency?”   After starting the second article (this one), I decided that a discussion of torpedo bats (not introduced baseball until 2024), required a discussion of the history of Major League Baseball (MLB) baseball bats to put the objectives and design of the torpedo bat into prospective.   This blog will include the history of MLB baseball bats, a summary of MLB specifications for bats today, a snapshot of what kinds of bats are used by MLB players today, and finally a discussion of the new torpedo bats.   I’ll conclude with a brief look at the future of bats. I will list my sources at the ...

SCIENCE24 - The Science of Baseball's Home Run

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There are more and more statistics used in calling Major League Baseball (MLB) games today, including those that measure the efficiency of the teams and the players, almost overwhelming the broadcast.  This is particularly true for describing home runs, where it is common to immediately state the exit velocity and the launch angle, followed by the estimated home run distance, and endless analysis.  Home runs have always been fascinating to the baseball fan.   There are two aspects of home runs that are particularly fascinating to me:   1) What are the factors that determine home run distance and how do they work, i.e., what is the science of the home run, and 2) What is all the ruckus about torpedo bats , that are supposed to increase a batter’s home run proficiency? I’m going to approach this in two parts.   This blog will be Part 1 and cover the science of the home run including key factors, and how home run distance is measured today.   My next blog,...