The New York Yankees are one of the MLB’s most decorated franchises. Much like the NBA’s Lakers or Celtics, the Yankees know what winning is and what it means. However, that does not mean they won’t bend the rules a little to get there. Torpedo baseball bats have been a topic of interest so far this season. A type of bat where the barrel’s maximum diameter is shifted closer to the hitter’s hands. This is opposed to the more traditional location further down the barrel. Now, these bats have even caused drama in the stands.
Reports from The Mirror state that a New York Man and lifelong Yankees fan had caught one of these torpedo bats and planned to keep it as “a cool souvenir.” However, it seems the team, as well as the owner of the bat, wanted it back in the hands of a Yankee’s hitter. The bat allegedly belongs to Anthony Volpe, New York’s shortstop, who has come into his own lately. Baseball players are nothing but superstitious. If a hitter is on a roll, there is not a lot they will change about their approach at the plate. This is most likely why the team wanted the bat back. However, it’s always a mess trying to get anything back from a fan.
New York Man Gets His Hands on Anthony Volpe’s Torpedo Bat
The incident occurred during the bottom of the second. New York is up to bat with Anthony Volpe leading off. Volpe is one of several New York players using the torpedo bat. Volpe would then swing out of his shoes at an 86 mph changeup. His bat would leap from his hands on his follow-through all the way into the stands along the third baseline. The Yankees fan and New York man, Kevin Girardi, would then spring into action to grab the game-used piece of equipment.
Over the several weeks the MLB has been back in action, the torpedo bats have been a massive topic of discussion. While technically not breaking any regulations, many seem to think the new bat should be banned. However, there has been no official word of the bats getting banned by the league anytime soon.
Despite not getting to keep the bat, the New York man says he is just happy nobody got hurt. It has been seen time and time again. Fans are getting hit by foul balls or flying bats. Although the torpedo bat slipped through Girardi’s fingers, he did not leave empty-handed. He got to meet Anthony Volpe for about an hour after the game. The fan also got a replacement bat. However, this wasn’t a torpedo, it was signed by Volpe himself. All in all, a pretty happy ending for both sides.
