The Louisville Slugger

The first thing I wanted to do in Louisville was visit the place where they make the Louisville Slugger. It is the place where they make wooden baseball bats. The company's name is Hillerich & Bradsby Co., and it has been in business since 1856. As a kid I always used the Louisville Slugger bats to crank out those long tatters.

Any who we made out way to the factory and stepped up to pay the 10 dollars per person entrance fee and low and behold it was Derrick Jeter day and because his number is 2 we got in for 2 dollars per person......cool. And I being a Yankee fan.........double cool.

SOME FACTS:
How many models does H&B make?

Even though there are over 8,000 variations, the players today only choose from approximately 300 popular models.

How many bats does a pro player use in a season?

On average a player will go through approximately 100 bats in a season.

What type of wood is used to make Louisville Slugger baseball bats?

Primarily northern white ash however maple is becoming more popular. The best timber comes from parts of Pennsylvania, New York and other northeastern states where the terrain and climate are most favorable to its growth. Hillerich & Bradsby Co. owns some forests in that area.

Maple, which is stronger and heavier than white ash, accounts for about 30% of the bats made every year. In the past, hickory was also a popular wood for bats, but it is too heavy to meet the demands of today's players.

How many Louisville Slugger bats are made each year?

Approximately one million. During peak production times about 1500 bats are made per day at the factory in Louisville.

So it was a great day at the museum/factory. Then it was off for some beers and probably something that was covered with pork gravy.......... I hope I brought my defibrillator.

This is a picture of me after I wrestled a bating helmet away from a 7 year old girl to use the batting cage. I have to say she put up a good fight. But kicking me in the nuts was a really uncalled for.

Here I am before having my picture taken holding Mickey Mantles bat. They made me wear two batting gloves as I had pork gravy all over my hands.