Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
Remember when a simple bat flip could start a bench-clearing brawl? Even taking a longer home run trot could end up with someone getting a ball in the rib cage. Then came social media highlight reels and MLB’s “Let the Kids Play” campaign. As a result, hitters became more creative with their wooden-bat acrobatics. Yes, some pitchers and managers still consider it one of baseball’s ultimate signs of disrespect. Here are the bat flips (and one spike) that pretty much told them to “chill out … it’s a game.”
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Bautista’s ALDS Revenge Flip (2015)
The mother of all modern bat flips came in Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS, when Jose Bautista launched a three-run homer to put Toronto ahead of Texas. The flip wasn’t just high—it was personal, with the Blue Jays completing a comeback. Rangers pitcher Sam Dyson later called it “embarrassing,” but for Toronto fans, it became their generation’s Joe Carter moment.
Harper’s DC Return Revenge (2019)
After signing with Philadelphia, Bryce Harper’s return to Washington was circled on every baseball fan’s calendar. When he crushed a second-deck homer off Jeremy Hellickson, the bat flip that followed was pure theater. The crowd’s boos turned to stunned silence as Harper’s bat soared toward the Nationals’ dugout—a moment of sweet revenge served ice cold.
Acuña Jr.’s Statement to the Marlins (2021)
Ronald Acuña Jr. earned this one. He was locked in an epic battle against Zach Thompson, fouling pitch after pitch after pitch. Finally, he sent one skyward as the fans cheered. The superstar outfielder walked for a couple of steps with the bat in his right hand before flipping it. It was pure artistry.
Tim Anderson’s Throw (2021)
It was an early season game. The White Sox were hosting the Royals, and Tim Anderson crushed a pitch to deep left field to give the Pale Hose the lead. Admiring the shot, he took the bat and tossed it almost like a javelin in the direction of the Kansas City dugout. He then took off on a leisurely stroll around the bases while the Royals pitcher could only shrug.
Rhys Hoskins’ Bat Spike (2022)
When Rhys Hoskins launched one against the Braves in the NLDS, he let out a primal scream and spiked the bat like he would a football after scoring a touchdown. Spencer Strider could only watch stone-faced as Hoskins did his home run trot. While baseball purists may have scoffed, this was part of the modern game.
Willson Contreras’ Covid Cubs Classic (2020)
It was a weird time in baseball. COVID had hit the country and made people stay home. Games were played in empty stadiums with printed cutouts of fans occupying the seats. So, Willson Contreras really only had an audience of his teammates and the opposing team as he launched a home run into the bleachers. That didn’t stop him from delivering an epic bat flip.
Trevor Story’s Rockies Farewell (2021)
In his final home series as a Rocky, Story gave Coors Field one last memory to cherish. His moonshot came with a flip that said goodbye to six years of Mile High memories. Sometimes a bat flip is more than showmanship—it’s a farewell letter written in body language.
Manny Machado’s Padre Pride (2022)
Manny Machado has never been afraid to be expressive on the field. Padres fans instantly embraced the slugger, and he’s shown his true self. That includes bat flips like this one. The slow-motion replays of his bat rotating through the air are poetry in motion.
Tom Lawless’ ’87 World Series Flip
Before bat flips were cool, Tom Lawless wrote the original script. A .200 hitter who hadn’t homered all season, Lawless launched one in Game 4 of the ’87 Series and flipped his bat like he invented the move. The Cardinals’ utility man’s audacity shocked announcers and players alike, becoming baseball’s first viral moment before viral moments existed.