Angels Team Uses 1 Bat – 1999

Not sure exactly how I came across this video but I’m shocked I hadn’t heard of it before. In 1999, the Angels were in such a slump that hitting coach Rod Carew had the entire team use the same bat the first time through the order.

They didn’t clue the ump in on the idea (and why would they have?). The first batter struck out and left the bat at the plate. The ump tossed him for it. Kind of crazy to begin with. Once it was explained, he was un-thrown out. I wonder how many times that happens.

Here’s the video on mlb.com.