Shanks

Shanks in baseball are the pointed metal or plastic parts attached to a bat's handle, designed to improve grip and control. They help players hold the bat securely, especially during powerful swings, by preventing slipping. Shanks can also refer to a specific type of pitch (a "shank" or "shanker"), which is an unintended, often poorly executed hit that causes the ball to go off-course, typically resulting in a poor outcome for the batter. In summary, shanks play a role in both equipment design and baseball terminology related to batting and pitching.