A corked bat is lighter and easier to swing. And a ball bouncing off cork might have more spring.
However, a corked bat transfers less energy to the ball, thereby taking speed and distance off the hit.
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How to cork a bat (for all the young players out there)
1. Drill a hole in the head of the bat about an inch in diameter, then hollow out an area about 6 to 10 inches deep.
2. Fill the hollow with glue and cork.
3. Replace the top section, matching the grain, and sand it down. Paint or dye can be used to obscure it. (Illustration.)
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL RULE 6.06(d)
(A batter is out for illegal action when) he uses or attempts to use a bat that, in the umpire’s judgment, has been altered or tampered with in such a way to improve the distance factor or cause an unusual reaction on the baseball.
Sources: “The Physics of Baseball” by Robert K. Adair, Official Rules of Major League Baseball
Chris Soprych/Tribune.
– See microfilm for complete graphic.
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The Ump
In a strange twist, umpire Tim McClelland, who threw out Sosa on Tuesday, was in the umpiring crew when Albert Belle was ejected at Comiskey Park on July 15, 1994, when he was caught using a corked bat. He was also the umpire who called out Kansas City’s George Brett for having too much pine tar on his bat in a 1983 game against the New York Yankees.
Others busted
Wilton Guerrero, Dodgers, June 1, 1997: Corked bat
Albert Belle, Indians, July 15, 1994: Corked bat
Billy Hatcher, Astros, Aug. 31, 1987: Corked bat
George Brett, Royals, July 24, 1983: Too much pine tar
Craig Nettles, Yankees, Sept. 7, 1974: Super-ball stuffed bat
Amos Otis, Mets, Royals, Pirates 1967-1984: Admitted cork, after playing
Norm Cash, White Sox, Tigers, 1958-74: Reportedly used cork
Source: ESPN.com, Tribune Wire Services.
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Fans react
With one crack of the bat, Sammy Sosa had Wrigley Field buzzing once again Tuesday night. This time, it was for the wrong reason. “If he actually–my God, if he did this, this is really going to change the face of Cubs baseball,” said Tom Sommer, 26, of Chicago. “I definitely am not going to look at Sosa the same way. How can you?” Well, can you look at him the same? Write us at
ritaredeye@
tribune.com and let us know.
