Bat design hasn't changed much in more than 100 years, other than their weight dropping from above 40 ounces in Ruth's case to the current norm of around 31 or 32 ounces, baseball experts tell NPR.

The new bats have caused quite a stir around Major League Baseball, especially after the Yankees clobbered a franchise-record nine home runs in a thumping of the Brewers on Saturday, and Portnoy ...