New and Improved
By:
Born in New York on February 23,1963, Bobby Bonilla uses one of the Hillerich and Bradsbys' improved 1992 model bats. I have one of Bobby's bats in front of me, and above the Louisville Slugger logo he autographs his bat Roberto Bonilla. This genuine model S-318 has specifications that include a medium handle, a slightly larger than 2 1/2 inch diameter barrel, a 35 inch length and just over 32 ounces. The barrel is rounded and the center of balance is above the trademark.
When you pick up this bat, it feels top heavy. Bonilla, being 6 foot 3 inches tall and weighing 230 pounds feels very comfortable with this style of bat. Bobby uses a double knob on his bat similar to the turn of the century Nap Lajoie bat. The modern day version of the second knob is made of synthetic material and slips over the end of the bat. It is adjustable and can be removed from the bat at any time.
Most players have the ends of their bats 'cupped out'. This removes extra end weight and moves the center of balance toward the trademark, giving the batter better whip-like control.
The Major League Rules Committee has specific criteria on cupped bats, which states "an indentation in the end of the bat up to 1 inch in depth is permitted and may be no wider than 2 inches and no less than 1 inch in diameter. The indentation must be curved with no foreign substances added."