Ty France Homers with Baguette Bat During Players' Weekend

SAN DIEGO -- Ty France hit a home run with a bat designed to look like a French baguette during the Players' Weekend on Friday night. France’s impressive 2026 season continued as he helped the Padres secure a 6-2 victory over the Twins at Petco Park. He reached base three times, including a go-ahead two-run homer in the first inning, marking his 18th home run of the season and the 99th of his career.

The bat, which was painted to resemble a baguette and featured a handle mimicking the French flag, was a playful choice for the occasion. France known for being a key player in the Padres’ lineup this season, explained that his bat company, Victus, typically inquires if he’d like any specific designs for MLB Players’ Weekend. "I just tell him to make it French themed," France shared about the bat’s creative design.

With an .872 OPS this season and the ability to deliver pun-filled postgame interviews, France is riding a wave of confidence. He emphasized that the themed bats and gear are mainly for fun, but noted he has indeed traveled to France and enjoyed time spent in Paris with his wife during a past offseason.

Despite any hesitance to switch bats at this time of the year, France is performing remarkably well, batting .293/.351/.521. This performance is a stark contrast to his time with Minnesota last season where his OPS was nearly 200 points lower over the course of 101 games. His turnaround began following a midseason trade to Toronto before the Padres signed him to a Minor League deal. After impressing in Spring Training, he secured a place on the roster and has become the cleanup hitter for a star-studded offense.

"I’m just feeling like the old Ty again," France remarked. "Which is nice."