Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy criticized the New York Yankees for their new “torpedo” bats, arguing they’re “infiltrating” America’s pastime. The innovative bat design places the barrel closer to the player’s hands rather than toward the end of the bat.
Portnoy claimed the change had nothing to do with the team, but rather the potential impact on fairness and equality in baseball. He questioned whether fans wanted to keep the game “sacred.” The Yankees debuted their new bats during a season-opening series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Critics flooded social media after the team scored nine home runs and 20 total runs against the Brewers. Portnoy joined the online discussion, targeting players like Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe who didn’t use the torpedos. He argued that these players “stink” and implied they were less effective because of their traditional bat design.
Former Miami Marlins President Dave Samson disputed Portnoy’s claims, stating the bats are “completely legal” and have been used before in professional baseball. The MLB has specific rules regarding equipment usage, and Samson believes innovation is essential to improving hitting skills.
The controversy surrounding the Yankees’ new bats highlights differing opinions on how to enhance performance while preserving the integrity of the game.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/dave-portnoy-slams-yankees-torpedo-bats-warns-infiltrating-sacred-game-baseball