The Slugger Factory
The first stop, the Hillerich & Bradsby Co. factory and museum tour.
Pete Browning
Pete was the one known as the "Louisville Slugger", giving the bat it's famous name.
Impressive
They either know talent or pursue it after greatness!
The Winners
The winners of the annual slugger award.
Simple Beginning
The company made wood products until the 17 year old son Bud went to see Louisville's major league team, the Eclipse in 1884. He saw Pete Browning break his bat and offered to make a new one. In the next game Browning got three hits with the bat Bud made and the rest, as they say, is history.
Teammate
I was joined in Louisville by Bobbie Johnson, a teacher friend from high school (yes, that long ago) and her friend Kathy.
My Turn
Posing with a bat used by Joey Votto from the Cincinnati Reds.
Woodstock
The wood for the bats comes from NE Pennsylvania - Ash, Maple and Birch.
Pick One
Each wood offers a different experience at the plate and only the best is used for MLB.
CNC
Two CNC machines cut brand new Major League bats every 30 seconds.
Clean-Up
There is a little bit of clean-up left to do after the bat is shaped.
Different Ones
The company has/makes numerous styles.
Retail Process
The bats we purchase are made on this lathe every 40 seconds.
Finisher
Here's where the bats are finished, then....
Brander
...... hand labeled in two burning machines.
Dipper
The bats are hand coated (not a job I'd really want).
Pick One
They had a few unique bats on display that have yet to be seen by the public.
Try One
Why don't I give this one a try.
Evan Williams
After lunch we headed to the Evan Williams Experience tour.
Tasting
I passed on the tasting, but if you like bourbon or baseball you have to make a trip to Louisville!