Baseball is a sport that has been enjoyed for generations and has captured the hearts of many fans around the world. The game is a perfect blend of strategy, skill, and athleticism. One of the most important aspects of the game is the equipment used, especially the bat.
With that in mind, have you ever wondered who swings the smallest bat in the MLB? The answer may surprise you, but there are a few players who choose to swing a bat that is smaller than the average size.
The average size of a bat in the MLB is around 34 inches in length and weighs about 32 ounces. However, some players prefer to use a smaller bat for various reasons, such as increasing bat speed, improving control, or simply personal preference.
One of the players who swings the smallest bat in the MLB is José Altuve, a second baseman for the Houston Astros. Altuve stands at just 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds, making him one of the smallest players in the league. Despite his size, Altuve is a great hitter and has won several awards, including the AL MVP in 2017.
Altuve’s bat size is 31.5 inches and weighs 27 ounces, which is considerably smaller than the average size. He has been using this bat size for most of his career and is known for his exceptional bat speed and control. In fact, he holds the record for the most hits in a season by a player who is 5 feet 6 inches or shorter.
Another player who swings a small bat is Mookie Betts, an outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Betts is known for his excellent hitting skills and is considered one of the best players in the league. His bat size is 31 inches and weighs around 28 ounces, which is also smaller than the average size.
Betts has been using this bat size for most of his career and has had great success with it. He has won several awards, including the AL MVP in 2018, and is a four-time Gold Glove Award winner.
In conclusion, while the average size of a bat in the MLB is around 34 inches in length and weighs about 32 ounces, there are players who prefer to use smaller bats for various reasons. José Altuve and Mookie Betts are two of the players who swing the smallest bats in the league. These players have found success with their smaller bat sizes and prove that it’s not always about the size of the bat, but how you use it that matters.