Mookie Betts has a new contract — with the company that’s helping him put up big numbers this season.
The Boston Red Sox right fielder became the first Major League Baseball to partner with Axe Bats, the axe-handled bat company that Betts and his Red Sox teammates helped make popular. Betts’ multi-year contract with the company includes design and development input, and he’ll be featured in Axe Bat’s advertising, per Sport Techie.
Welcome All-Star outfielder @mookiebetts to #TeamAxe! Full story available at https://t.co/KT22siXBU6 pic.twitter.com/4W7aTaI4IB
— Axe (@AxeBat) July 7, 2016
The unique bats are designed to be a better fit for the mechanics of a player’s swing and help reduce injuries and callouses caused by bats with rounded handles. It’s appropriate that the Red Sox would be fans, as they’re inspired by Boston legend Ted Williams, who used to practice his swings with an actual axe.
The bats are approved by all levels of baseball and softball, and more MLB players are taking to the league-approved wooden models. It’s certainly working for Betts, who’s currently batting .299 and is among the league’s leaders with 112 hits, 23 doubles, 18 home runs and 58 RBIs.
Thumbnail photo via Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports Images