The New York Yankees put on a show for their fans against the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The game became a historic event for the Yankees, as they set a franchise record by hitting nine home runs, culminating in a commanding 20-9 victory. The offensive onslaught began with a flurry of power, as first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, left fielder Cody Bellinger, and right fielder Aaron Judge hit back-to-back-to-back home runs off Brewers starter Nestor Cortes on the first three pitches of the game. This explosive start set the tone for an unforgettable afternoon.
The excitement didn’t stop there. The Yankees continued their home run parade, with catcher Austin Wells joining the fun later in the first inning. By the end of the first frame, the Yankees had already hit four dingers. The second inning saw even more fireworks, as shortstop Anthony Volpe, third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Aaron Judge (who hit a grand slam) all added to the tally. Judge, not content with just one, went yard again in the fourth inning, bringing the total to eight home runs in the first four innings alone.
As the game progressed, Yankees play-by-play announcer Michael Kay provided viewers with some intriguing context regarding the team's recent changes to their bats, which may have contributed to their sudden power surge. “You see the shape of Chisholm’s bat?” Kay asked during the broadcast. “The Yankee front office, the analytics department, did a study on Anthony Volpe, and every single ball it seemed like he hit on the label. He didn’t hit any on the barrel, so they had bats made up where they moved a lot of the wood into the label, so the harder part of the bat is going to actually strike the ball. It’ll allow you to wait a little bit longer.”
This revelation about the Yankees' equipment sparked a wave of speculation on social media, with many fans questioning the legality of the bats. Some took to Twitter to express their concerns, calling for Major League Baseball (MLB) and commissioner Rob Manfred to investigate the Yankees for potentially cheating. One fan tweeted, “@MLB gonna need the Yankees bats checked. Thank you kindly,” while another proclaimed, “Someone from MLB may want to look into this. Eight HR’s for the Yanks this afternoon in the Bronx.”
Despite the chatter, it’s important to note that the redesigned bats are still within the parameters set by MLB rules, which state that a baseball bat must be a “smooth, round stick not more than 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches in length.” The Yankees' new bats fit these specifications, which means they are legal for use in the league.
As the game continued, the Yankees were leading the Brewers 18-6 at the bottom of the seventh inning, with only second baseman Pablo Reyes, left fielder Jasson Dominguez, and center fielder Trent Grisham failing to hit a home run through the first seven innings. The fans at Yankee Stadium were treated to a rare display of offensive firepower, and the atmosphere was electric as the Yankees chased yet another victory.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe, who both used the newly designed bats, were instrumental in the Yankees' success. Chisholm and Volpe, known for their ability to make contact closer to the label of the bat, both capitalized on the custom designs, hitting home runs as part of the Yankees’ historic performance. Volpe, who struggled last season with just 12 home runs, appears to be benefiting from the adjustments made to his equipment, and his current pace suggests he could exceed expectations this year.
In fact, with the Yankees’ explosive performance on Saturday, they not only showcased their hitting prowess but also sent a message to the rest of the league. This game marked the first time in Yankees history that the team hit nine home runs in a single game, a feat that reflects their potential as defending American League champions. The Yankees, who started the season with a total of just two home runs, now lead the league with 11 after this game.
As the dust settles on this historic matchup, the conversation around the Yankees' bats and their recent modifications will likely continue to be a hot topic in the baseball community. While some fans and analysts may question the legitimacy of the new bats, others will undoubtedly celebrate the Yankees for their innovative approach to improving player performance. With the season still in its early stages, it remains to be seen how this new strategy will play out over the course of the year.
As the Yankees look ahead, they will undoubtedly aim to maintain their momentum and build on their impressive offensive display. With Aaron Judge leading the charge, having hit three home runs in this game alone, the Yankees are poised to be a formidable force in the league. The excitement surrounding this team is palpable, and fans are eager to see what the rest of the season holds.
In conclusion, the New York Yankees' historic game against the Milwaukee Brewers not only showcased their incredible talent but also raised questions about the legality of their equipment. As the team continues to make headlines, one thing is clear: the Yankees are a force to be reckoned with this season, and their innovative strategies may just set the tone for the future of baseball.
