About this blog . . .

This blog is about 80% journal, 20% review. These posts may describe very recent visits or visits taking place in the last 3 or 4 years--please feel free to update or correct any of my information in the comments or through an email message.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a pleasant walk from Louisville's Convention Center and surrounding hotels.  I visited the Museum in March of 2010, and the website boasts of some recently finished updates, so there may be more now than what I saw a few months ago.

I was able to go on a factory tour, which I would definitely recommend.  Sign up for a tour at the front desk as soon as you get there--or you may be able to stop in before your visit and sign up.   The guide was friendly and quick with the expected jokes--great personality for the setting and subject.  In addition to seeing how bats were made, we had a chance to see some of the bats made for specific players, and learned about some of the more interesting special requests.  Be sure to ask for some free "nubs."

A video--I believe it was called "The Crack of the Bat"--showcased some of the famous hits delivered by Louisville Sluggers.  Nothing new, but baseball fans will always enjoy seeing some of the great moments of the game (note, however, that only Louisville Slugger hits are included, which explains why a handful of memorable hits don't appear there.)


Exhibits include one of Babe Ruth's bats, complete with his home run notches.  Visitors have a chance to try their hands at hitting a simulation of a major league fastball.  Timelines chronicle the history of baseball and of the Louisville factory.  Give yourself about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to do the tour, visit the exhibits, and see the video.
 
The gift shop here has one of the better selections of t-shirts--all colors, all sizes.  This would be a good place to pick up fairly unique shirts for the folks on your gift list.  Their featured item is a personalized mini-bat; if you want one, be sure to order it before you start the tour and visit, since it takes a while to produce.

Info from the website:

$10 - Adults (13-59)
$  9 - Seniors (60+)
$  5 - Kids (6-12)
Kids 5 and younger free

 
Open 9-6 daily, 12-6 during summer, 9-5 and 12-5 rest of the year; closed major holidays.

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