This is a long and interesting article about Ryan Howard and the Marucci bat company…he uses heavier bats than most players, and a wider variety of manufacturers as well (Sam Bat? X Bat?). Also, we learn how Turk Wendell is responsible for Howard’s success this year.
Marucci bats are also responsible for the Mets’ success this year as well.
A self-proclaimed bat freak who loves to try different manufacturers’ products, Howard has hit home runs with several different makes this season. He has used Louisville Slugger, the granddaddy of them all, as well as Sam Bat and X Bat, products from two of the smaller companies that have come onto the major-league scene in recent years.
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Howard picked up a bat and couldn’t believe how heavy it was. He rolled it around in his hands, and, despite its 35-ounce weight, liked its feel. Howard looked at the name on the bat - Turk Wendell - and chuckled.
Howard was intrigued by Wendell’s bat. He took batting practice with it. Then he started using it for a couple of at-bats per game. His power and selectivity as a hitter improved. He led the Florida State League with 23 homers - two fewer than he hit in 183 games over his first two pro seasons - and a .304 batting average.
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Having Howard use your product during a season in which he might win the National League MVP award is great advertising for Marucci, who, with some financial backing from Perez, is expanding his business. But Howard isn’t the only MVP candidate using Marucci wood. Carlos Beltran and his New York Mets teammate Jose Reyes are both dedicated Marucci users. Those three home runs that Reyes hit at Citizens Bank Park on Aug. 15? All with a Marucci bat.
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