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The Legend Of The Bat Flip

In light of the recent skirmish between the Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates, notably Carlos Gomez and Gerrit Cole, there has been a lot of talk about the Legend of the bat flip in baseball. Is it showboating?

Here’s a look at what happened between Pittsburgh and Milwaukee over the weekend.

That wasn’t that much of a bat flip, was it? It seems that Gerrit Cole may have overreacted to giving up an absolute seed to Gomez when he took a quick peek and saw a flip of the bat. Now, this is not the first time Gomez has been involved in an altercation…

Is it because of the bat flip? Here is Gomez “pimping” what turned out to be a triple.

GIF from MLB.com

GIF from MLB.com

What happened between the two teams on Sunday is left up to interpretation. Nevertheless, Gomez’ bat flip was a thing of beauty. So, what is this phenomena known as the bat flip?

For those of you who played baseball or softball, you know exactly how it feels to be on either side of the bat flip. If you have ever gotten ahold of a ball like Gomez did, it is a beautiful feeling that produces an incredible sound. Why do we feel the need to celebrate it? Because baseball.

Some of the best bat flips of all time have come from some names you know, and some names you don’t. Look at this beauty from Washington Nationals’ outfielder Jayson Werth.

GIF from CBS Sports

GIF from CBS Sports

That has got to be the best feeling in the world. Down one run in the bottom of the eighth inning with the bases loaded, and hitting an absolute tater into the night. Why the bat flip though?

It is almost as if the bat isn’t worthy any more. The weapon of choice has just been used to destroy your hopes at winning that particular at-bat.

A good way to think about it is if you hit a ball so hard, your hands have just become majestic, and a piece of wood is no longer needed to finish the deed.

Prince Fielder definitely thinks that bat has done its job, and is no longer needed.

GIF from FanGraphs.com

GIF from FanGraphs.com

Look at the catcher, “Oh my…what did he just do?!”

As far as baseball is concerned, when a hitter gets ahold of a ball like that, just let him go. Do whatever he needs to do before touching home plate. If you do not like it…you deal with it.

But, sometimes the opposite can happen. Remember Mark Reynolds on the Cleveland Indians? Oakland A’s pitcher Jarrod Parker let a ball get away from him…

GIF from TheBigLead.com

GIF from TheBigLead.com

 

Now, whether the above was on purpose or not, that remains to be seen. But, the “retaliation” can work both ways. Look at what Mark Reynolds did later in that game.

GIF from TheBigLead.com

GIF from TheBigLead.com

Let’s have a moment of silence for that baseball…

See the subtle bat flip from Reynolds too? He just left it there.

The bat flip is just part of what makes baseball so great. Everyone wants to do it, but only a select few can execute it to perfection. But, beware of a premature bat flip, because it can make you look like an imbecile.

Take a look at this professional Korean baseball player…hit the weight room bro…

GIF from TheBaseballCodes.com

GIF from TheBaseballCodes.com

You cannot let that happen. If you are going to do a bat flip, you better make sure you get all of it. Otherwise you are known as “that guy” for the rest of your career.

Always remember, if you hit a ball as hard as you can, and you are sure it is going to be a home run, add a little flair. Or don’t.

But, if you are going to add a bat flip, make sure it is a good one.

Here are some of the best flips of all time.

Edwin Encarnacion, well done sir.

GIF from FanGraphs.com

GIF from FanGraphs.com

This next one is a classic, but what was he waiting for? The definition of “pimping” a home run.

Tom Lawless…unbelievable.

GIF from GIFsoup.com

GIF from GIFsoup.com

Bat flips will happen each and every day, and there are some that will live infamously, but as a parting gift just ponder this for awhile. How come no one has done something this beautiful before?

Mitch Skaggs, you my friend, are a stud.

Photo via Bob DeChiara, USA Today Sports Images

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