The Atlanta Braves became the first MLB team to reach 100 wins this season, but even in losing efforts, they’re finding ways to impress.
Now, the Braves are eight home runs away from tying the single-season MLB record for team home runs (307 by the Twins in the juiced-ball 2019 season). And the Braves don’t even need an entire bat to hit home runs now, apparently.
Sean Murphy proved that on Sunday.
During the first game of the Braves’ doubleheader against the Nationals, Murphy made it a one-run game in the ninth with a solo home run to center field that traveled 398 feet. Initially, it seemed like a typical home run. But when the Braves broadcast returned to the replay, that’s when they noticed what Murphy actually did there.
Sean Murphy launched a home run with a broken bat 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ORX4DUuUec
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 24, 2023
He completely snapped his bat on contact and still managed to hit a home run.
In all likelihood, he was already up there with a partially cracked bat, and that contact was enough to snap it in two.
Still, hitting a home run with a broken bat isn’t easy to do at all, and MLB fans were justifiably impressed. It was Murphy’s first home run since Aug. 13.
This was how Twitter reacted
There was not a single player on this team who needed a big hit more than Murph. This is a strong man. https://t.co/X4TixDUjut
— Beaneater Buzz (Blue Check) (@BeaneaterB) September 24, 2023
I would have paid money to see him do a big dramatic bat flip with just the knob in his hand. 🤣 https://t.co/R1y9lW8XJp
— KC Covington (@Fried_Baseball) September 25, 2023
That bat had to die so Murphy's ability to hit could live.
(This is my interpretation of it being a good omen. Leave me alone) https://t.co/VGkDzh4hz8
— Max Fried Stash (100-56, NL EAST CHAMPS) (@MaxFriedstash) September 24, 2023
That's one of the most impressive home runs I've ever seen. Ball went 398 feet, bat barrel went 20 feet. https://t.co/mvhVkbGv7j
— Dayton from Nebraska (@BravesAmerica) September 24, 2023
defending sean with my life no matter what he goin’ through 🫡 https://t.co/Ngm9BMA8Fs
— Taylor McIlwain (@mcilwaintay) September 24, 2023
this was nuts. ball woulda gone 900’ if the bat hadn’t broken. https://t.co/BvnA5aZnqY
— CAPSULE DESTROYED (@CAPSULEDESTROY) September 24, 2023
He literally exploded his bat good lord https://t.co/mMfqDF5Gc4
— Walker (@Braves2Dawgs) September 24, 2023
You gotta be strong to do that! https://t.co/7rbvS3hswr
— barry bob (@barry_reno) September 24, 2023
That’s one way to blast out of a slump! 💥😮 https://t.co/4RpZxzf6kC
— Rachel (@allthedogspleaz) September 24, 2023
