The New York Yankees’ newly created bat is called the Torpedo bat. And there’s a lot of science behind it rather than just the name.

The Yankees made a noteworthy innovation in bat design during their game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Thanks to this development, they achieved a franchise-record nine home runs.

YES Network broadcaster Michael Kay first pointed out this change. According to Kay, the New York Yankees modified their bats to enhance performance by shifting more material toward the label section. This adjustment allows the harder part of the bat to make contact with the ball more effectively.

It mainly comes in handy for players like Anthony Volpe, who the Yankees’ analytics department identified as frequently hitting the label rather than the barrel. But that’s not all. A former MLB infielder, Kevin Smith, revealed they got an MIT physicist, Aaron Leanhardt, to design the bat.

“Yes, the Yankees have a literal genius MIT Physicist, Lenny (who is the man), on payroll. He invented the “Torpedo” barrel. It brings more wood – and mass – to where you most often make contact as a hitter. The idea is to increase the number of “barrels” and decrease misses,” Smith tweeted.

Yes, the Yankees have a literal genius MIT Physicist, Lenny (who is the man), on payroll. He invented the “Torpedo” barrel. It brings more wood – and mass – to where you most often make contact as a hitter. The idea is to increase the number of “barrels” and decrease misses

Per his tweets, the Torpedo design intends to concentrate mass where hitters most frequently make contact. Thereby increasing the likelihood of hitting barrels and reducing the chances of misses during swings.

Sounds like a lot of engineering behind the woodcraft!

Also Read: “Completely Illegal”: Social Media Is Accusing The New York Yankees Of Blatantly “Cheating” After Hitting 8 Homers With Their Controversial New Bats During 20-9 Blowout Win Over Brewers

While the excitement and buzz around the Yankees’ new Torpedo bat’s design is getting most of the footage, people around the baseball community have questions.

Fans and observers raised concerns about the legality of these new bats, leading to clarification from MLB. According to an MLB spokesperson who spoke with Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, the Yankees’ bat shape complies with MLB regulations.

The Yankees’ bats were the center of attention Saturday, because of the home runs they hit — and their unusual construction.

The statement dictates that the bat must be a smooth, round stick not exceeding 2.61 inches in diameter at its thickest point and no longer than 42 inches. Furthermore, the bats were not classified as “experimental” since they did not require prior approval from MLB, based on existing rules that govern bat design.

Also Read: What Did The Yankees Do To Their Bats? Here’s All You Need To Know About The “Torpedo” Barrel