Think a corked bat can add distance? Think again.
Research out of the University of Illinois indicates that the trampoline effect that is so significant in metal bats is negligible in wood bats.
But there still may be an advantage to be had in using corked bats. Increased bat speed enables batters to delay swinging for a few micro-seconds – perhaps allowing the batter to hit with increased accuracy.
So even if a corked bat doesn’t yield greater power, it may allow for greater accuracy. Research, we’re sure, is ongoing.