Written by: Emily Joswiak • June 5, 2025• Lifestyle

4 Bat Alterations That Are Considered Cheating in Baseball

Players have sought ways to gain a winning edge throughout baseball history. Bat alterations are among the most prominent innovations-turned-scandals.

A close-up of playing using a dark brown bat to connect with a pristine white baseball with red stitching.

Baseball boasts a rich history threaded with skillful plays and moments of ingenuity. Yet, the sport has also witnessed its fair share of controversies involving equipment manipulation. Some tweaks, small as they may seem, have raised eyebrows and challenged the integrity of the game. Florida, a state with deep baseball roots and a strong culture of youth and professional play, is no stranger to debates over fair play versus foul tricks. Among these debates, bat alterations that are considered cheating in professional baseball draw the most attention. Here’s a closer look at some of these questionable modifications.

Corked Bats

Players have attempted to insert cork or similar lightweight materials into bats to alter their performance. A corked bat has a lower total weight, allowing for faster swings. This, in theory, helps sluggers meet pitches with extraordinary speed. However, corked bats are illegal because they don’t comply with league regulations and can distort gameplay. These bats not only disrupt the game but also pose risks to players when they crack unexpectedly.

Shaving the Barrel

Another tactic involves shaving the inner barrel of aluminum bats. Some players remove material from inside, creating a thinner, more responsive barrel wall that results in greater ball exit velocity upon impact. While illegal, this alteration is hard to detect just by sight, making it appealing for those testing boundaries. This tactic puts the safety of athletes at risk due to unpredictable bat behavior during play.

Rolling Bats for Performance

Bat rolling is the process of compressing composite bats to break them in quickly, enhancing their performance. Although it is common practice in amateur settings, competitive play has banned this technique because it sidesteps natural wear and tear. Such alterations blur the line between preparation and cheating. The truth about bat rolling and its effects on durability is hard to measure—but the benefits of bat rolling are often clear. This issue continues to fuel debates on maintaining integrity within baseball leagues steeped in tradition.

Covertly Altering Grips

Altering grips, such as applying substances other than the allowed pine tar, also crosses into cheating territory. Batters sometimes use illegal adhesives to improve grip beyond the permitted extent, giving them an unfair advantage. While grip adjustments might seem harmless, even subtle tweaks can be decisive in critical moments.

Striking Out the Cheating

Baseball’s beauty lies in its balance of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Tampering with equipment undermines all three aspects, leaving fans and players disillusioned. Among bat alterations that are considered cheating in professional baseball, the methods discussed above represent significant threats to fair play and safety. The game can preserve its legacy and ensure a fair experience for all involved by addressing these practices with strict regulations and enforcement.

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