Red Sox vs. Yankees—it’s the feud that never needs fuel, but somehow always finds it. From Carlton Fisk’s fiery clashes with Thurman Munson in the ’70s to the unforgettable 2004 ALCS comeback, the animosity between these two teams has produced countless legendary tales. Recently, this age-old feud found new fuel—this time, it wasn’t a postseason brawl or a walk-off homer. It was a bat. A weird-looking, head-heavy “Torpedo” bat. Then came David Ortiz, never one to hold back, giving it his signature Big Papi once-over. With one blatant, honest reaction, things escalated.
So, what exactly went down? During a relaxed segment with former players examining the now-viral “Torpedo” bat—a uniquely designed, head-heavy bat known for its distinctive sound and rumored power enhancement—one swing produced a resonant “ping,” sparking a flurry of questions. Is this bat legal? Is it fair? Do players really need it? That’s when David Ortiz, never one to shy away from commentary, chimed in, adding fuel to the growing discussion.
Big Papi didn’t hold back. Upon hearing the distinct “ping” of the Torpedo, he blurted: “Give me a toothpick and I’ll hit the motherf—r”. Not exactly a glowing review—and certainly not subtle. He further dismissed the hype, stating, “You still gotta hit the ball“. And just like that, a simple product test became a bold roast of the Yankees, covered in sarcasm and seasoned with Red Sox pride.
Why is this significant? Because when David Ortiz talks—especially about the Yankees—people pay attention. This wasn’t just about the bat; it was about who was swinging it. The Torpedo bat has been adopted by several Yankees players, making Ortiz’s jab reminiscent of classic rivalries like Pedro vs. Posada or Varitek’s glove meeting A-Rod’s face. The competition lives and Big Papi just poured gas on it.
At this point, you have to make the call. pic.twitter.com/Xi5e6MBPgV
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) April 12, 2025
Here’s the kicker: the Torpedo bat is entirely legal. Players are free to use it. But Ortiz’s argument holds weight—no equipment can substitute genuine skill. Clutch performance isn’t taught, and if a player relies on gimmicks to compete, perhaps the problem isn’t the bat—it’s the batter.
That is the story buried underneath the humor. Sure, it was a funny moment and went viral. The Yankees are clearly looking for ways to improve fast, and Ortiz isn’t buying into the idea that a fancy bat is the answer.
Torpedo bat divides MLB
The Torpedo bat, popularized by Yankees, has seen adoption by multiple MLB stars and provided diverse outcomes. Elly De La Cruz of the Reds debuted the bat in a game against the Rangers. He achieved a remarkable performance with two HR and seven RBIs in a 14-3 victory. In addition, the Yankees experienced a surge, hitting a team-record nine HR in a single game against the Brewers, with stars, like, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm Jr. Helping to the feat.
However, the bat’s effectiveness is not universal. Carlos Correa of the Twins highlighted reservations. It highlighted that while the bat could provide advantages against specific pitches, it could be less effective against cutters and sliders. In addition, the Phillies’ Alec Bohm tried the bat however, did not observe vital benefits. He said, “it felt just like a normal bat”. Such mixed experiences highlight that while the Torpedo bat has power, its effectiveness could vary on the basis of individual star preferences and hitting styles.
Whether the Torpedo bat represents a genuine breakthrough or merely a Bronx-born gimmick, it has undeniably stirred debate. One thing remains certain: the competition is fierce and ongoing. What’s your perspective? Is this the next evolution in baseball or just another excuse? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
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