MILWAUKEE – The baseball world is buzzing over the latest craze: the torpedo bat. Elly De La Cruz, the dynamic young star of the Cincinnati Reds, first got his hands on one of these newly designed bats on Monday, April 7, 2025, and it didn’t take long for him to fall in love with it. "They brought one, I tried it in practice, and then I used it in the game," he said, reflecting on that fateful day.
In his debut using the torpedo bat, De La Cruz had a remarkable performance, racking up four hits, accumulating 11 total bases, and driving in seven runs. By the end of the day, he was already sold on the bat’s potential, ordering more that very night. He’s expecting a shipment of the bats to arrive just in time for the Reds’ homestand opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, April 11, 2025.
The torpedo bat, also referred to as a bowling-pin bat due to its unique design, features a thicker barrel that tapers towards the end, allowing hitters to make contact at their natural sweet spot. This innovative design has sparked interest not only among players but also among fans and equipment manufacturers alike.
Interestingly, the Cincinnati Reds were not among the teams experimenting with the torpedo bats prior to De La Cruz's initial use. The trend picked up momentum during the opening weekend at Yankee Stadium, where the New York Yankees showcased the bat’s effectiveness by crushing the Pittsburgh Pirates in a series of home runs. Many players began talking about the new bats after witnessing the success of their teammates.
It was during this buzz that representatives from Louisville Slugger reached out to De La Cruz after receiving an urgent call from his agency, Boras Corporation. Bob Hillerich, a fifth-generation executive at the bat company, noted, "We need to see you now," emphasizing the urgency of the situation. However, it was not the Reds who made the call; rather, it was De La Cruz’s representatives who recognized the potential of the torpedo bat.
De La Cruz’s agency has been responsible for tracking his bat specifications and orders, allowing for a more personalized approach compared to his teammates. This arrangement has given him an edge, as he can utilize various bat companies while retaining ownership of his used and broken bats.
The influence of the torpedo bat can also be attributed to De La Cruz’s conversations with newly acquired catcher Jose Trevino, a former Yankee who had already embraced the bat. Trevino expressed his satisfaction with the bat, further encouraging De La Cruz to give it a try. “I’m not too sure how much of the impact so far is psychological or physical,” Trevino said, adding, “I just know I like it.”
Despite the excitement surrounding the torpedo bat, Reds manager Terry Francona took a more measured view, downplaying the equipment's impact on performance. He emphasized that while the bat might be a factor, the real talent lies with the player. “It’s not the noodle,” Francona stated, “it’s the chef.” Agent Scott Boras echoed this sentiment, highlighting De La Cruz’s elite bat speed as the true key to his success. “It’s not the noodle,” he said. “It’s the chef.”
As the Reds prepare for their upcoming series against the Pirates, the anticipation builds. De La Cruz’s impressive debut with the torpedo bat might just be the beginning of a trend that could redefine hitting in Major League Baseball. The excitement surrounding the bat has not only captured the attention of players but has also led to a surge in demand from fans and retailers.
SAM Bat, an Ontario-based company known for its handcrafted bats, has reported being flooded with requests for torpedo bats. President and Co-Owner Arlene Anderson noted that the interest has intensified during this busy stretch of the baseball calendar. Sales Director Kevin Rathwell explained the customizable nature of the torpedo bats, catering to players of all ages and skill levels.
The baseball world began to take notice of the torpedo bat design when several Yankees players made the switch and quickly experienced a boost in their home run totals. This success has led to widespread interest among other players and teams, with many eager to try out the new design.
As the Reds gear up for their homestand, all eyes will be on De La Cruz and his new bats. If his initial performance is any indication, the torpedo bat could very well become a staple in Major League Baseball. The combination of innovative design and De La Cruz's talent has the potential to create a lasting impact on the game.
Whether the torpedo bat will stick around or fade into the annals of baseball history remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: De La Cruz's success with the bat has already made waves, and the excitement surrounding this new equipment trend is palpable. Fans and players alike will be watching closely as the season unfolds, eager to see if the torpedo bat can truly revolutionize the game.
