I had a good laugh when I read this in Sports Illustrated (March 25, page 82). Mark Grace of the Diamondbacks says 'I've been boning my bat since the minor leagues. Putting a cow's femur on it causes the bat to get harder', and there he is in the picture, sitting with a bat and bone between his legs. Although the sexual imagery of Grace's comments and photo were funny, they were probably unintended. But apart from that, just the idea of using a bone to toughen the bat sounds rather 'out there' to me. Some kind of quaint ritual? Or maybe there is some scientific validity to it? I haven't followed baseball long enough to know a lot of its history and traditions, but I'm sure there are a lot of other rituals and behaviours associated with the game, and I'd be interested to hear about them if anyone can fill me in. Thanks!

[quote]Originally posted by Marc:
Although the sexual imagery of Grace's comments and photo were funny, they were probably unintended.

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Don't be too sure about that.
This is Mark Grace we're talking about. He's one of the smartest and wittiest players in baseball. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he made the whole thing up just for the double entrendre.

Gracie's one fine lookin' ballplayer-whew!

[quote]Originally posted by Marc:
...Putting a cow's femur on it causes the bat to get harder', and there he is in the picture, sitting with a bat and bone between his legs. ... But apart from that, just the idea of using a bone to toughen the bat sounds rather 'out there' to me. Some kind of quaint ritual? Or maybe there is some scientific validity to it

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Marc,

I've heard of this a long time ago. I've never seen it done but the remark didn't surprise me.

However,froma gay guy's perpective.... I would, could... but not going to touch this one ... it's too easy....

Never even heard of this....Now if you said Chicken bone...well that would be a different story.(Think Major League, the first movie)

Charlie in the Trees wrote:

This is Mark Grace we're talking about....I wouldn't be surprised if he made the whole thing up just for the double entendre.[/B]

You may be right, Charlie. I took a closer look at the photo, and Grace does have kind of a mischievous smirk on his face!

Does anyone know how I can get my paws on a copy? Is there a link or something? Please help this Gracie fan...LoL! Mark Grace has to be one of the best loooking baseball men ever. I really don't like the D'backs but I was happy Gracie got his ring.
Thanks!

Well, I was once caught "oiling my glove" in the bathroom, but we shall never speak of that again. So says Mother.

Never heard of "boning the bat," at least in this context. But it's nice to know at least, that Mark Grace does not yet need to "cork his bat." Or "choke up." And it's also fun to speculate that he may "switch hit" from time to time.

Wasn't there a character in Bull Durham who was doing some kind of voodoo by tapping a chicken bone on his bat? Gracie's bone was much bigger than that. The pic is in Sports Illustrated's baseball preview issue (with Jason Giambi on the cover).