When a bat is broken mid-swing during an MLB game, what is the bigger cause behind the break, the velocity of the pitch, or the force behind the batter’s swing?

Question

When a bat is broken mid-swing during an MLB game, what is the bigger cause behind the break, the velocity of the pitch, or the force behind the batter’s swing?

In: Physics

Answer 1

There are a few less than accurate descriptions here currently.

Here’s a simple thought experiment.

Can a pitcher throw a ball from home plate into the stands in deep left or right field?

No.

That alone should tell you that the overwhelming amount of force is coming from the bat, not the ball, especially considering the batter has to overcome the pitcher’s throwing force to move the ball in the opposite direction in the first place.