Why Is Using a Corked Bat In Major League Baseball a Violation and How Much Further Can the Ball Travel?

Some baseball players, like Sammy Sosa, believe that the spring from a “corked bat” adds distance to a struck ball.

Even though physicists say this notion is nonsense, occasionally someone will try to use one.

The basic method of corking a bat is to drill a straight hole into the top about one inch wide and ten inches deep.

Then, after filling the cavity with cork, the player plugs the hole with a piece of wood and sands it smooth.

A corked bat is illegal only if used in play.