The Major League Baseball (MLB) is no stranger to strange, unique and amazing stories. One of these stories is about the heaviest bats ever used in the league. It is a topic that has been discussed for many years, and there are several contenders for the title of the heaviest bat ever used. This article will explore who used the heaviest bat in MLB history, and what some of the other contenders were.
Heaviest Bat in MLB History
The title of the heaviest bat ever used in Major League Baseball is held by one man: Mark McGwire. In 1998, he used a bat that weighed an astonishing 42 ounces. This is easily the heaviest bat ever used in the league, and it is more than double the weight of the average bat used today.
Why Did McGwire Use a Heavier Bat?
Mark McGwire was well known for his powerful swing, and it is no surprise that he would choose a heavier bat to help him generate more power. The heavier bat allowed him to generate more force when he swung, and it also gave him a better sense of control over the ball. He also believed that a heavier bat would help him keep his wrists and forearms strong, which is important for a power hitter like him.
Other Heaviest Bats in MLB
Although Mark McGwire holds the record for the heaviest bat ever used in MLB, there have been several other contenders for the title. Here are some of the other heaviest bats ever used in the league:
- Jose Canseco: Canseco was known for his power, and he often used a bat that weighed 38 ounces.
- Rafael Palmeiro: Palmeiro was another power hitter in the Major Leagues, and he was known to use a bat that weighed 36 ounces.
- Sammy Sosa: Sosa was one of the most feared hitters in the league, and he was known to use a bat that weighed in at 34 ounces.
- Barry Bonds: Bonds was one of the most prolific home run hitters in the history of the game, and he was known to use a bat that weighed 32 ounces.
How Has the Weight of Bats Changed Over Time?
The weight of bats has changed significantly over the years. In the early days of the game, bats were much heavier than they are today, with some of them weighing as much as 50 ounces. As the game evolved, however, players began to realize that lighter bats allowed them to generate more power and control, and the trend shifted towards lighter bats. Today, the average bat used in the league weighs around 20 ounces.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Heavier Bat
Using a heavier bat can have both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, a heavier bat can help generate more power and control when making contact with the ball. It can also help keep the wrists and forearms strong, which is important for any power hitter. On the downside, a heavier bat can be more difficult to control, and it can also slow down the player’s swing.
Average Weight of Bats Used Today
As mentioned earlier, the average bat used in Major League Baseball today weighs around 20 ounces. This is significantly lighter than the bats used in the past, and it is a testament to how the game has evolved over the years. The lighter bats are more suited to the modern style of play, and they also provide more power and control to the hitter.
Heaviest Bats Used by Current Players
Although Mark McGwire holds the record for the heaviest bat ever used in Major League Baseball, there are still several players who use heavier bats than the average. Some of the current players who are known to use heavier bats include:
- Paul Goldschmidt: Goldschmidt is known for his power, and he often uses a bat that weighs 34 ounces.
- Nelson Cruz: Cruz is another power hitter in the league, and he is known to use a bat that weighs 33 ounces.
- Joc Pederson: Pederson is one of the most feared hitters in the league, and he is known to use a bat that weighs 32 ounces.
- Cody Bellinger: Bellinger is one of the most prolific home run hitters in the game, and he is known to use a bat that weighs 31 ounces.
Conclusion
The Major League Baseball has seen its fair share of unique and amazing stories, and one of them is about the heaviest bat ever used in the league. Mark McGwire holds the record for the heaviest bat ever used in MLB, and it weighed an astonishing 42 ounces. Although this is the record, there are still several other players who use bats that are heavier than the average. The weight of bats has changed significantly over the years, and today the average bat used in the league weighs around 20 ounces.
References
- sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/heavy-bats-in-mlb-mark-mcgwire-sammy-sosa-barry-bonds/rw8ay23ipwfz1d86y1nzuikb6
- mlb.com/news/what-is-the-average-bat-weight-in-mlb
- bleacherreport.com/articles/2400480-ranking-mlbs-top-10-heaviest-bats