Introduction to the Controversy
On March 29, 2025, the New York Yankees achieved a remarkable feat by hitting a franchise record nine home runs in a single game against the Milwaukee Brewers. This extraordinary performance was made possible by the use of a specially designed bat, which has sparked controversy and debate within the baseball community. The bat in question is known as the "torpedo bat," and its unique design has raised concerns about its legitimacy and potential impact on the game.
The Background Story
As it turns out, the Yankees’ use of the torpedo bat was not a secret, and the team had been experimenting with it for some time. In fact, one of the players, Austin Wells, was the first to use the bat in 2025. The bat’s design features a custom-loaded weight distribution, which is intended to improve the player’s chances of making contact with the ball. However, the use of this bat has been met with skepticism, and some have questioned its legality.
Google’s Involvement
Google’s Vice President of Search Engineering, Rajan Patel, showcased the company’s AI capabilities at the Google I/O 2025 conference. Patel used a complex query related to the torpedo bat to demonstrate the AI’s ability to analyze and provide detailed information. The query asked for the batting average and on-base percentage (OBP) of notable players who currently use the torpedo bat. Patel portrayed this as a complex task that required advanced AI capabilities. However, a closer examination reveals that the information required to answer this query is readily available and can be obtained through simple searches.
The Reality Behind Google’s Claim
A search for "who uses torpedo bats" yields a featured snippet that lists several players, including Austin Wells, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, and Dansby Swanson. This information is readily available and can be found on various websites, including Yahoo Sports. Furthermore, Google’s Knowledge Graph has been storing information on baseball players and their statistics for years. A search for "best MLB players" yields a carousel of top players, and a search for a specific player’s stats, such as Aaron Judge, provides detailed information, including batting average and OBP.
The Simplified Truth
The reality is that Google’s AI did not perform a complex task, but rather combined information from its Knowledge Graph with readily available data from the web. The three parts of the query – identifying players who use the torpedo bat, recognizing notable players, and pulling their statistics – are not as complex as Google claimed. The information is readily available, and the task can be accomplished through simple searches.
The Best Approach to Marketing AI Products
Google’s attempt to oversell its AI capabilities raises an important question: what is the best way to market AI products? Rather than trying to create a perception of complexity, companies should focus on showcasing the actual capabilities and benefits of their AI products. Overselling can lead to skepticism and mistrust, as people may eventually see through the smoke and mirrors. A more honest and transparent approach can help build trust and credibility with the target audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the torpedo bat and Google’s claim of advanced AI capabilities highlights the importance of transparency and honesty in marketing. Rather than trying to create a perception of complexity, companies should focus on showcasing the actual benefits and capabilities of their products. By doing so, they can build trust and credibility with their audience, rather than risking skepticism and mistrust. As the use of AI continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to approach its marketing with a clear and honest perspective, avoiding the temptation to oversell and mislead.