Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

The story of the Louisville Slugger baseball bat started with a game of hooky in 1884. John Andrew "Bud" Hillerich was the son of a German immigrant who started a woodworking shop upon his arrival to Louisville in 1856. As Bud grew up, he learned the family trade while also playing amateur baseball. In an effort to help out his team, he began to make custom bats and slowly began to refine the process. His craftsmanship was put to the test after he offered to make a new bat for major leaguer Pete Browning of the Louisville Eclipse. According to legend, Browning, a.k.a "The Louisville Slugger", got three hits in his first game with the bat. To this day, Hillerich & Bradsby Co. make the most trusted bat in baseball.

Fun Facts

• The Louisville Slugger is the first bat to be endorsed by a major league player – Honus Wagner of the Pittsburgh Pirates
• During World War II, Hillerich & Bradsby Co. produced M-1 carbine gunstocks, track pins for tanks and billy clubs along with baseball bats for troops
• Hank Aaron hit his 700th homer with a Louisville Slugger
• In 2015, H&B was bought by Wilson Sporting Goods

Things to Know Before You Visit the Museum

• Address: 800 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202
• Omni Louisville is one mile from the museum
• Kids five and under receive complimentary admission
• All guests receive a miniature souvenir bat at the end of the guided factory tour
• Check the event calendar for special events and exhibits

Learn more about the museum.