FanHouse Jack Marucci

Jack Marucci's focus this week has been the health of his LSU Tigers as they prepare for Saturday's SEC showdown at third-ranked Alabama. But Marucci can't help but sneak a peek at the World Series between the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Especially after Marucci prior to the start of the Series received a message from Philadelphia's Chase Utley that indicated he wanted a special bat to swing against New York reliever Mariano Rivera.

"It's the same wood but a different style, a little thicker and shorter," Marucci told FanHouse Wednesday.

As director of athletic training at Louisiana State University, Jack Marucci knows it's going to be a good day when the Tigers are on the field and not in his office. This time of year, Marucci also knows it's going to be a good day if Carlos Pena and Albert Pujols are swinging hot bats.

Check today's box scores - it's a very good day for Marucci.

Five of the top-10 major-league home run leaders this season have something in common -- they are using wooden bats hand-crafted by Marucci and his tiny company in Baton Rouge, La.