Lesson made on March 31, 2025
Download Printable Lesson (PDF)
Download Printable Answer Key (PDF)
Reading Lesson:
Baseball season has started, and the New York Yankees are already making history. They hit 15 home runs in their first three games, setting a new team record. Many believe their success comes from a new type of bat called the “torpedo” bat.
The torpedo bat looks different from regular bats because it is slightly wider somewhere in the middle of the bat instead of at the end. The Yankees studied their players’ swings and adjusted the bat’s design to give them a better chance of making solid contact with the ball.
The bat was created by a physicist named Aaron “Lenny” Leanhardt when he worked for the Yankees. He got the idea by listening to players who wanted better control over their swings. He adjusted the bat’s weight and shape to make it easier to hit the ball. Leanhardt works for the Miami Marlins now, but other teams are starting to try out the torpedo bat too.
Even though the Yankees have been the most successful with these bats, they aren’t the only team using them. Players from the Twins, Rays, and Orioles have also been seen using torpedo bats. Some teams, like the Braves, are even ordering them after seeing how well they worked for the Yankees.
Not everyone likes the new bats. Some pitchers feel that they give an unfair advantage. But as long as the bats follow MLB’s rules, they are legal to use. If they help players hit more home runs, fans might see a lot more of them this season.
Comprehension Quiz:
Speaking and Writing Activities:
– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.
– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.
1. What sports are most popular in your country? Which sports do you enjoy watching or playing?
2. How much do you know about baseball? Explain as many rules as you can.
3. If you could invent a new piece of sports equipment to help players perform better, what would it be? How would it work?
More Reading Practice:
What is a torpedo?
A torpedo is a long, tube-shaped weapon that moves through the water to hit a target. It is used by submarines, ships, and sometimes airplanes. A torpedo has an engine that makes it move and a bomb inside that explodes when it hits something. It is designed to destroy enemy ships or submarines. Unlike a missile, which flies through the air, a torpedo travels underwater. Some torpedoes can be controlled by the person who launches them, while others move on their own toward the target.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are one of the most famous baseball teams in the United States. They are based in New York City, and their home stadium is called Yankee Stadium. The team was founded in 1901, and since then, they have won more championships than any other team in Major League Baseball. The Yankees are known for their strong history and their many famous players, such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Derek Jeter.
The team wears a white and navy blue uniform with a “Yankees” logo on their hats. They play in the American League of Major League Baseball, and their games are very popular, attracting fans from all over the world. The Yankees’ fans are passionate and proud of their team, and the team’s success has made them a symbol of American sports culture.
Photos of torpedo bats