Mike Trout is using a 'Smart Bat' to improve his swing in spring training
Angels star Mike Trout is using a new tool called a 'Smart Bat' to improve his swing this spring training.
By
Mike Axisa
•
2 min read
By almost any measure, Angels center fielder Mike Trout is the best player in baseball today. He is only 24 and you could argue he should have four MVP awards. As it is, he already has one MVP and three second place finishes in the voting.
This spring Trout is using a new tool called a "Smart Bat" to improve his swing, reports Kellen Beck of Mashable. The tool, which is made by a company called Zepp, is a sensor within the bat that measures different aspects of the player's swing. Here's more from Beck:
Sports tech company Zepp has developed the Smart Bat, which measures and tracks different aspects of your swing, including impact speed, angle, swing duration and more. The sensor is integrated right into the grip of the bat, and sends its data right to your smartphone.
“Zepp lets me look at my swing’s performance and progress so I can make the adjustments to improve at the plate,” Trout told Mashable. “For me, I want to have consistency throughout the season and this is the guide.”
By tracking different data points, the Smart Bat’s sensor can give suggestions to users on areas they should look to improve, as well as how to improve those areas.
Trout shares the data with hitting coach Dave Hansen, and the two then come up with a plan to fix any flaws. Other players are using a Smart Bat this spring, including David Ortiz. Zepp is working to secure more partnerships with players and bat makers.
Here's a look at the Smart Bat sensor, which is built right into the handle of the bat:
This is not Zepp's first attempt at a smart bat. A previous model attached a senser to the knob, so it protruded out off the end of the bat. This new sensor is built right into the bat so it feels (and looks) natural.
Teams have been using biomechanical analysis to study their pitchers for years now, yet hitters are not really studied the same way. The Smart Bat technology seems like it could really help diagnose swing flaws, but of course it's still up to the player to make the necessary adjustments.
For now, the Smart Bat is awaiting MLB's approval for game use, so Trout can only use it during batting practice and other side work. Isn't technology wonderful?
(h/t Baseball Think Factory)
