The Major League Baseball (MLB) is a game of skill, precision, and power. Baseball players put their bodies on the line every day to perform at their best, so it’s no surprise that accidents happen. One of the most common accidents on the field is players breaking their bats. This can be an embarrassing moment for a player, but it also reveals how powerful and hard they hit the ball. So, how often do MLB players break their bats?
What Causes MLB Players to Break Their Bats?
There are several factors that can cause a player to break their bat. The most common cause is when the ball is hit with too much force and the bat is not able to absorb the impact. This is especially common when a player is trying to hit a home run or when they are swinging for the fences. In addition to this, some bats are made of softer wood, which makes them susceptible to breaking.
Another factor that can cause a bat to break is when a player uses a lighter bat. Lighter bats are easier to swing, but they can also be more susceptible to breaking when they make contact with the ball. This is especially true when a player is using an aluminum bat. Aluminum bats are light and can easily break if they are not used correctly.
Finally, bats can also break if they are not stored properly. Bats can become warped if they are stored in extreme temperatures or if they are exposed to moisture. This can make them more susceptible to breaking when they make contact with the ball.
How Often Do MLB Players Break Their Bats?
Players in the MLB break their bats fairly often. According to Baseball Almanac, there were nearly 800 broken bats in the 2019 season. That averages out to around two broken bats per game.
Of course, some players break their bats more often than others. Players who use lighter bats and swing for the fences tend to break their bats more often. Players who use heavier bats and focus on contact hitting tend to break their bats less often.
What are the Consequences of Breaking a Bat?
The consequences of breaking a bat depend on the situation. If a player breaks their bat during a game, they will need to find a new bat and quickly get back in the game. This can be an embarrassing moment for the player, but it is something all players have experienced.
In addition, if a player breaks their bat in the middle of an at-bat, they will be charged with an automatic strikeout. This is because the bat is considered a piece of equipment and it is the responsibility of the player to make sure their bat does not break during the game.
Finally, players can also be fined for breaking their bat if the umpire feels that the player did it intentionally. This typically only happens if a player slams their bat to the ground out of frustration or in a fit of rage.
Conclusion
MLB players break their bats fairly often. This can be an embarrassing moment for a player, but it also reveals how powerful and hard they hit the ball. The most common cause of broken bats is when the ball is hit with too much force and the bat is not able to absorb the impact. Players who use lighter bats and swing for the fences tend to break their bats more often than players who use heavier bats and focus on contact hitting. The consequences of breaking a bat depend on the situation, but players can generally expect to find a new bat and be charged with an automatic strikeout if their bat breaks during an at-bat.