Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

Luh-vull?

Loo-a-ville?

Loo-ih-vuhl?

Lewis-ville?

Looey-ville?

Did you know that 80% of Major League baseball bats are made right here? Nomatter how you pronounce it, the Louisville Slugger Museum is a great addition to a baseball adventure.

(Can you tell that this sculpture is a giant baseball glove and ball?)

We took a tour of the factory (no photos allowed) to see how the bats are made, then toured the museum, saw a short, inspirational baseball movie, and explored the gift shop.

Did you know?

That each Major League baseball player uses between 90 and 120 bats a year? That seemed like a lot to us. And each player can specify the exact dimensions of his bat, which are stored in a computer. Because players do change their preferences during the season, Louisville only makes them 7 at a time. The players are charged nothing, all costs for equipment are incurred by the team.

One of the most interesting things here weren't bats at all, but a collection of 100 years of U.S. President's signatures on baseballs.

This one, signed by Teddy Roosevelt, is the only one in existence!

Both Obama and McCain have already signed their official ball, but which one will ultimately be displayed here? Hmmmmm.....

Did you know?

That pink bat color is used only one day a year?

Mothers' Day.

They provide each player with two pink bats, one with the player's mother's name, to be given to their mother... the other one with the player's name, is autographed by the player and auctioned off for breast cancer charities.

We might as well continue the theme!

Slugger Trivia!

The Louisville Slugger factory brands each bat on the weak part of the bat, where the grainlines are farther apart. To properly hit a ball, the brand should always be facing up or down.

One famous ballplayer, under contract with Louisville Slugger, was breaking bats time and time again. When investigated, it was found that he always placed the brand facing the pitcher. He was counseled and tutored, but he did not correct the problem, and continued to break bats at a tremendous rate. Finally, he was asked why he refused to hold the bat in the proper manner, and replied: "Because I don't want to look at my own name when I'm at bat."

To this day, Louisville Slugger brands "The Sweet Spot" of ONE, and only one player's bats.

Can you name him? Leave a comment on this blog with your guess!

Did you know?

If you see a script autograph on a Louisville Slugger bat, that player is under contract with the company? A block-print name signifies a player not under contract.

No, we couldn't escape the Louisville Slugger Museum without having a personalized bat made to memorialize the trip. It's a beauty!