Visual Traveler: The Louisville Slugger Museum, Louisville, Kentucky

                                     Above photo is by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
What's in This Post
1) Louisville Slugger History
2) Louisville Slugger® Museum & Factory Slideshow
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It's impossible to miss this gigantic baseball bat while walking through downtown Louisville. And it's fascinating to tour the Louisville Slugger® Museum & Factory, whose tagline is 'Where Wood Meets Wonder.'

Louisville Slugger History

This story begins in 1842, when J. Frederick Hillerich and his family emigrated from Germany to Baltimore, Maryland and later to this Kentucky town. Here, J. Fred started a woodworking shop. His first son, John Andrew "Bud" Hillerich was born in 1866 and became an apprentice in his father's thriving business by 1880. An amateur baseball player, that's where Bud also crafted baseball bats for himself and teammates.

In 1884 Bud made his first 'pro bat' for Pete Browning - a player with the Louisville Eclipse major league team - at the megastar's request. Browning also gained the nickname, 'The Louisville Slugger.' 

Despite his father's hesitation, Bud continued creating baseball bats. 'Louisville Slugger' became their registered trademark in 1894, and Bud became his father's business partner three years later.

A 1905 Louisville Slugger bat endorsement and autograph, from Pittsburgh Pirates superstar shortstop, Honus Wagner, reflected a major milestone for the company. This was the first signature on a bat and the first time a professional player endorsed an athletic product. 

In 1911, successful salesman Frank Bradsby joined J.F. Hillerich and Son and later ushered the company through a flooding disaster. Hillerich & Bradsby Co. then crafted equipment for World War I soldiers before a return to primary focus on making premium baseball bats.

​Want to blow off a little steam during your tour? Check out a batting cage and replica bats from beloved baseball players.

                                   All above photos are by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complementary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this business during my visit, specific details may have changed.