...Louisville Slugger

[yankeesince59]

...Hillerich & Bradsby sold to Wilson Sporting Goods.

http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2015/03/23/wilson-sporting-goods-acquires-rights-to.html

 

[Messiah717]

Sellouts

 

[Hammerojustice]

Crazy

 

[yankeesince59]

...when I was a kid the Louisville Slugger was pretty much the only bat we played with...I recall Dad buying me one, a whopping 28 incher...and as I grew I remember finally being able to swing a 30" bat. (that was a sure sign of manhood in our minds)...I think when I finally quit playing I was swinging a 34" bat that weigh 32 oz. (extra slim handle).
...can you imagine what would happen if they ever allowed MLB hitters to use aluminum bats?... there'd be pitchers and infielders getting killed or hurt weekly. Still waiting for someone to get speared by a piece of a broken bat...probably just a matter of time.

 

[Mattingly23NY]

Finnish Based Amer Corp.; I didn't even know owned Wilson.

still made in Louisville, land of big Forests, and Hickory...

Not sure if the local Louisville economy can be effected if at all by this sale.?? I doubt it.

I'd much rather see a Co. like H&B to be owned by a Finnish Corp., than a effing Chinese Co. The USofA has in a short time, turned to creating huge business, for who? The Chinese, Walmart, Home Depot,

 

[Rick2583]

I still have one beside my bed. My weapon of choice.

 

[Mattingly23NY]

...when I was a kid the Louisville Slugger was pretty much the only bat we played with...I recall Dad buying me one, a whopping 28 incher...and as I grew I remember finally being able to swing a 30" bat. (that was a sure sign of manhood in our minds)...I think when I finally quit playing I was swinging a 34" bat that weigh 32 oz. (extra slim handle).
...can you imagine what would happen if they ever allowed MLB hitters to use aluminum bats?... there'd be pitchers and infielders getting killed or hurt weekly. Still waiting for someone to get speared by a piece of a broken bat...probably just a matter of time.

Wow..........and here we are 120 Years later, of dominating the Market....It took approx 80+ years for other alternatives to even come into existence, ie, Adirondacks, Mizuno, even Spalding, Rawlings, Easton, (tho' the last 3 specialize in those "ding" Metal Clubs they call bats....altho' LS does make a line of Aluminum Bats, or have since approximately the mid 80s.

Amen 59, I myself had never heard of any other bat than Louisville Slugger's aka H&B, up until 69, when our Am. Legion Team had worn out 18 Louisville's over half a season of games and practices.

The one and only bat we used through Little League, & High School too. Aluminum bats were just a hypothesis to be had, only in distant minds visions to come, or another decade or 2. And, yes, if MLB were to ever allow Aluminum bats, each player would have to be in full armor, each fan with a hard hat.........






I

 

[Mattingly23NY]

True Player Specific and all Game Bats, must be ordered directly from H&B, are lathed to Player's specs, from weight, ctr of gravity, length, diameter of grip to barrel. Flared or non, cupped or round. One will never find a true "Gamer" bat in a sporting goods store, or any other type of retail store; other than H&B.

One can and many did or do, special order their bats, to personal specs. Many just order a ore-existing model, ie, numerous players use the same bats, tho' each player has their name on the barrell, numerous batters will use the same models. LS's 2 most common bats, are K55s, and M101s, over the last 120 years, which bats have been made by H&B.

If you want a Retro=replica of the actual "Gamer" Bat, made by H&B say for The Mick, you can get it, used by Ruth you can order it, all players specs are on file, archived, and can be replicated, and ordered bat by bat, one at a time, if one want's a specific HOF players actual spec sized bat. One will NEVER find an authentic LS in stores, not unless it was ordered from LS, and sent to one by LS.

 

[yankeesince59]

matts, now that you mention it, I do remember playing with Adirondack and Rawlings bats also.

 

[totus44]

Is that Louisville, Arkansas?

 

[Mattingly23NY]

Is that Louisville, Arkansas?

Louisville is a state, Arkansas is a City....! So Arkansas has to be in Louisville....!

 

[Mattingly23NY]

matts, now that you mention it, I do remember playing with Adirondack and Rawlings bats also.

I'm trying like hell to keep my stories and long posts confined.

But-

In 69, our American Legion Team had cracked, broke, destroyed the 18 Louisville Sluggers we began the season (and practices with). With but a bat or two left, our Coach shows up prior to a game, with 18 brand new Adirondacks. By the time the game was over, we had only 1 or 2 bats, that were not cracked or broken in half.

Adirondack, back then was shit, made in Canada, but used ash primarily. Now they use predominantly Maple. It was a hoot to see the look on the Coaches face, as each batter broke, or cracked another Ad bat......his look of pride in providing us with new bats was quickly converted to a priceless look of horror, and loss of $$$.

Needless to say, He never bought another Adirondack bat for the team.

Jorge Posada's dad not only made Jorge hit LH'd for 5 solid year, before he allowed him to hit RH'd; his natural side. On top of helping Jorge become a switch hitter, during LL, Jorge's dad made Him use nothing but wooden bats, to prepare him for (believe it or not) the Pro's.........now that's a dream come true story....***

*** From the book:

 

[yankeesince59]

^^^ good stuff, Matts...didn't know that about Posada.

 

[Mattingly23NY]

^^^ good stuff, Matts...didn't know that about Posada.

Thanks 59....

I found the Posada story quit interesting myself. A True Rags to Riches Story, of a Kid, and His Dad, with Big Dreams, with a drive second to none, to see His Boy, not only in MLB, but as a Yankee....!

I found this book, the same time last year, when you recommended Yankee Century. I found a brand new copy on Amazon, from a Private Book Dealer for but $3.95 (which is the normal shipping and handling fees). However with my Son's "Amazon Prime Membership", Prime retailers shipping is Free, and 2nd day air shipped.....what a deal, got this book and a couple other great Yank books for less than $5.

NTM- I got the "Yankee Century" book for only $25 - Thanks once again, for the recommendation....! By far the best book I've ever read on the Yanx, no other book even comes close to it........!!

 

[Mattingly23NY]

When I was looking up "Yankee Century" on Amazon, I came across this book below. Intrigued to say the least, I watched the price of this book on a daily basis, until a couple weeks later, when I found (once again) a new paperback, for yep $3.95

I've yet to read this one, and have held onto reading it like aging a fine wine in the cellar before popping the cork.

Now that I'm ready to read it, I've got to get a new pair of glasses to read it, as I (damned it) stepped on my spectacles just the other night.....

I go through glasses like Rick goes thru Men's Depends.....at least that's what He told me.....

 

[yankeesince59]

Thanks 59....

I found the Posada story quit interesting myself. A True Rags to Riches Story, of a Kid, and His Dad, with Big Dreams, with a drive second to none, to see His Boy, not only in MLB, but as a Yankee....!

I found this book, the same time last year, when you recommended Yankee Century. I found a brand new copy on Amazon, from a Private Book Dealer for but $3.95 (which is the normal shipping and handling fees). However with my Son's "Amazon Prime Membership", Prime retailers shipping is Free, and 2nd day air shipped.....what a deal, got this book and a couple other great Yank books for less than $5.

NTM- I got the "Yankee Century" book for only $25 - Thanks once again, for the recommendation....! By far the best book I've ever read on the Yanx, no other book even comes close to it........!!

View attachment 4888

...I agree...great book. I had no idea about of all the shady characters and all of the secret wheeling and dealing that went into the formation of the team that would become the Yanx until I read that book. It's amazing they ever became a team to begin with.

 

[Mattingly23NY]

...I agree...great book. I had no idea about of all the shady characters and all of the secret wheeling and dealing that went into the formation of the team that would become the Yanx until I read that book. It's amazing they ever became a team to begin with.

Yes, it truly is a stunning story. A great Historically rich story, I was shocked, I did not know of Yankee Lore.....especially like you said, the dirty politics that ran NY City, with its Rich Mo-Fo's trying at every turn to block NY from having the Yanx and/or the 1st AL Team. I was shocked to read, how those bad boys club members, literally bought up every parcel of land to prevent Ban Johnson from bring his O's to NY. Leaving him a swampy rock field piece of garbage land....Amazing...!!

Every Yankee Fan IMO, should read this book, if they read but ONE book only on the Yanx.

As you pointed out about 1 year ago, 59, this book IS The ONE and ONLY book of its kind. There's a few pretenders to this throne, but this IS the Gospel of Yankee Lore, and no other book even comes close to it....

I'm over eager to read the other book, "The Era:", I've read the Intro and a few pages, and its definitely for NY Baseball Fans. Also a great read.

"The Era" I'd classify as a dime store (great) novel.

"Yankee Century" I'd classify as the Reference Book or Gospel of the Yanx, touching on every single piece of Yanx History right up to modern times........

again - Thanks for that recommendation, 59. Not only did it NOT fall on deaf ears or near blind eyes; its the one piece of Yankee History, I was damn near embarrassed after reading, to think I had never heard of these classic stories..........

 

[yankeesince59]

Yes, it truly is a stunning story. A great Historically rich story, I was shocked, I did not know of Yankee Lore.....especially like you said, the dirty politics that ran NY City, with its Rich Mo-Fo's trying at every turn to block NY from having the Yanx and/or the 1st AL Team. I was shocked to read, how those bad boys club members, literally bought up every parcel of land to prevent Ban Johnson from bring his O's to NY. Leaving him a swampy rock field piece of garbage land....Amazing...!!

Every Yankee Fan IMO, should read this book, if they read but ONE book only on the Yanx.

As you pointed out about 1 year ago, 59, this book IS The ONE and ONLY book of its kind. There's a few pretenders to this throne, but this IS the Gospel of Yankee Lore, and no other book even comes close to it....

I'm over eager to read the other book, "The Era:", I've read the Intro and a few pages, and its definitely for NY Baseball Fans. Also a great read.

"The Era" I'd classify as a dime store (great) novel.

"Yankee Century" I'd classify as the Reference Book or Gospel of the Yanx, touching on every single piece of Yanx History right up to modern times........

again - Thanks for that recommendation, 59. Not only did it NOT fall on deaf ears or near blind eyes; its the one piece of Yankee History, I was damn near embarrassed after reading, to think I had never heard of these classic stories..........

...after reading your post about "The Era" I made an offer of $5 on a paper back version...we'll see if I get it or not.

 

[Mattingly23NY]

...after reading your post about "The Era" I made an offer of $5 on a paper back version...we'll if I get it or not.

Good price, hope you get it.

One Incredible Era in NY History, never to be seen or repeated again. Mind boggling to think of in Today's World of MLb.

 

[yankeesince59]

...it's on the way !

 

[Mattingly23NY]

I should have enough boxes unpacked in a day or so, to take a break; sit down and finish that book.

I don't think its gonna' disappoint. Not only does it cover the ending Great era of DiMaggio, it covers the coming of Yogi, The Mick, Ford, Larsen's Perfecto W.S. Classic, onward to Mays, Robinson. From the Triple Crown of The Mick, yet closes before Koufax found his groove.

Koufax aka "Tbe Left Hand of God"

 

[Mattingly23NY]

I didn't mean to leave Leo the Lip Durocher out, or Casey Von Stengel.

The book "The Bums" is one of the better books on 1950s Baseball, I've ever read, tho' it covers the wrong Team.

In 86, I was working hellacious long hours, from 1pml until work quieted to a crawl from midnight til sunrise. So I read De Bums in but a week, a long story at that, not just of the 3rd favorite team in NY, but Baseball itself. Rockwell paid me to read that thar book.....

The Bums, (same Author as The Era) MacPhail:

In 55-56, Sandy Koufax was wild, had near no control, and posted not so impressive numbers. A 4.91 ERA in 56. (I never knew this prior to reading The Bums - eg, It took the Bums Pitching Coach and staff 2 yrs. to notice, when Sandy went into his Big wind up, his arms as you well recall came up over his head, (still did the rest of his career), but his arm swing was bigger, with his arms going so far up, and over the back of his head; thus blocking his vision/view of the catchers glove for a split second, just enough for Koufax to lose his pinpoint target, which He couldn't hit to save his life, posting a 4.91 ERA in 56. In 57 Koufax's career just began to blossom. Due to that alone, Sandy went from inconsistent wild, to pinpoint accuracy control. The rest is History, as you know better than most, then some......

 

[Mattingly23NY]

On Amazon is an old quote from the NY Times on The Bums, which utterly pisses me off still:
"Revealing . . . memorable . . . reminiscences about the most beloved baseball team*** of all time."—The New York Times"
*** Say fkng WHAT??????

The Times would say this about any club back then, IMO. The Bums was originally published in 84.



Yogi has always sworn Robinson was out in the steal attempt at home, even some Bums players, admitted Robinson knew he was out, (yet only said as much after Jackie wasn't on the face of Earth, must of feared the Black baseball Gods; after all, they're being replaced by Pan-Am Nationalist Gods, thanks Roberto Clemente)...

 

[Mattingly23NY]

The Summer of 49:

By far the best book, as good as it ever gets, breaking down the Epic battles b/t both greats: The DiMaggio-Willliams Rivalry, as well as Yanx and Sox. Ranked in the Top 5 or 10 of most Sports Authors lists, and some other MLB book rankings....but that can be relative to the individual. For Die-Hard Yankee Fans, this too is a must read classic. This too is a book you can't put down once you begin.....

The Summer of 49 was as Epic a battle b/t the Yanx and Sox, as 42, and 47 were IMO.....

This book has been re-published over the years, and has at least 4 different covers. This pic below is one of those Original Covers, just saying if anyone goes to look for this cover, they're not apt to find it, the book yeah, the cover no....

 

[Mattingly23NY]

and FINALLY, there's but one other book, or 2 or 3, or 12, I've got in my cross-hairs to read:

This one first:



DiMaggio was a gracious host at any Memorabilia show, and was treated like royalty, a true King of our time.....not only treated like a King, moreso than this asshole we have in the White House, Joe was respected by ALL Baseball Fans. We had a real Major Don of Superstars in Joe.

 

[Mattingly23NY]

...it's on the way !

Good times are coming......

Geezus, Note to Self: drink 2 cups of coffee prior to posting, I think I did the above in my sleep. Gives a new twist to sleepwalking or talking...........

 

[Hammerojustice]

Thanks 59....

I found the Posada story quit interesting myself. A True Rags to Riches Story, of a Kid, and His Dad, with Big Dreams, with a drive second to none, to see His Boy, not only in MLB, but as a Yankee....!

I found this book, the same time last year, when you recommended Yankee Century. I found a brand new copy on Amazon, from a Private Book Dealer for but $3.95 (which is the normal shipping and handling fees). However with my Son's "Amazon Prime Membership", Prime retailers shipping is Free, and 2nd day air shipped.....what a deal, got this book and a couple other great Yank books for less than $5.

NTM- I got the "Yankee Century" book for only $25 - Thanks once again, for the recommendation....! By far the best book I've ever read on the Yanx, no other book even comes close to it........!!

View attachment 4888

...I agree...great book. I had no idea about of all the shady characters and all of the secret wheeling and dealing that went into the formation of the team that would become the Yanx until I read that book. It's amazing they ever became a team to begin with.

Yes, it truly is a stunning story. A great Historically rich story, I was shocked, I did not know of Yankee Lore.....especially like you said, the dirty politics that ran NY City, with its Rich Mo-Fo's trying at every turn to block NY from having the Yanx and/or the 1st AL Team. I was shocked to read, how those bad boys club members, literally bought up every parcel of land to prevent Ban Johnson from bring his O's to NY. Leaving him a swampy rock field piece of garbage land....Amazing...!!

Every Yankee Fan IMO, should read this book, if they read but ONE book only on the Yanx.

As you pointed out about 1 year ago, 59, this book IS The ONE and ONLY book of its kind. There's a few pretenders to this throne, but this IS the Gospel of Yankee Lore, and no other book even comes close to it....

I'm over eager to read the other book, "The Era:", I've read the Intro and a few pages, and its definitely for NY Baseball Fans. Also a great read.

"The Era" I'd classify as a dime store (great) novel.

"Yankee Century" I'd classify as the Reference Book or Gospel of the Yanx, touching on every single piece of Yanx History right up to modern times........

again - Thanks for that recommendation, 59. Not only did it NOT fall on deaf ears or near blind eyes; its the one piece of Yankee History, I was damn near embarrassed after reading, to think I had never heard of these classic stories..........

...after reading your post about "The Era" I made an offer of $5 on a paper back version...we'll see if I get it or not.

Good price, hope you get it.

One Incredible Era in NY History, never to be seen or repeated again. Mind boggling to think of in Today's World of MLb.

...it's on the way !

I got this book not that long ago for just under $6.... Hope to have a chance to dive into it at some point....

Need to find the time between work, the long commute, soccer, swim lessons (no baseball this year), 3 kids, fishing, & spending time w/ my bride...

 

[Mattingly23NY]

I got this book not that long ago for just under $6.... Hope to have a chance to dive into it at some point....

Need to find the time between work, the long commute, soccer, swim lessons (no baseball this year), 3 kids, fishing, & spending time w/ my bride...

I remember when you also inquire about it, early last spring. You'll find the time in time, it will come to ya'......I read in binges myself to often.....

At times I have to force myself to stop, take a day or 3 off, (I wish), to read. When ya' get old, that time always makes itself available to ya' at the Doc, young whippersnapper, oh wait, that's Rick's line....!

I mean Kind Sir; Chief Caveman; Keeper of Thor's Hammer....

 

[Rick2583]

I didn't mean to leave Leo the Lip Durocher out, or Casey Von Stengel.

The book "The Bums" is one of the better books on 1950s Baseball, I've ever read, tho' it covers the wrong Team.

In 86, I was working hellacious long hours, from 1pml until work quieted to a crawl from midnight til sunrise. So I read De Bums in but a week, a long story at that, not just of the 3rd favorite team in NY, but Baseball itself. Rockwell paid me to read that thar book.....

The Bums, (same Author as The Era) MacPhail:

In 55-56, Sandy Koufax was wild, had near no control, and posted not so impressive numbers. A 4.91 ERA in 56. (I never knew this prior to reading The Bums - eg, It took the Bums Pitching Coach and staff 2 yrs. to notice, when Sandy went into his Big wind up, his arms as you well recall came up over his head, (still did the rest of his career), but his arm swing was bigger, with his arms going so far up, and over the back of his head; thus blocking his vision/view of the catchers glove for a split second, just enough for Koufax to lose his pinpoint target, which He couldn't hit to save his life, posting a 4.91 ERA in 56. In 57 Koufax's career just began to blossom. Due to that alone, Sandy went from inconsistent wild, to pinpoint accuracy control. The rest is History, as you know better than most, then some......

View attachment 4894 View attachment 4895 View attachment 4896

I'm still amazed of the FINAL year that Koufax had before walking away from the game at 30 years old.....

Led the league in 11 categories including.......
Led league in wins going 27-9
Led league in ERA 1.73
Led league in GS with 41
Led league in CGs with 27
Led league in IP with 323
Led league in SO with 317
And had a WHIP of 0.985

And did I mention that he won his 3rd CYA.

Over his last 6 years he went an amazing 129-47 with an ERA of 2.24

 

[Mattingly23NY]

I'm still amazed of the FINAL year that Koufax had before walking away from the game at 30 years old.....

Led the league in 11 categories including.......
Led league in wins going 27-9
Led league in ERA 1.73
Led league in GS with 41
Led league in CGs with 27
Led league in IP with 323
Led league in SO with 317
And had a WHIP of 0.985

And did I mention that he won his 3rd CYA.

Over his last 6 years he went an amazing 129-47 with an ERA of 2.24

So amazing a Career to retire at only 30, and still be a Heavy hands down HOF'r, at that....with less than 200 Wins, ....... with Koufax, that's good enough for me.....

Rick, do you recall the WTF moment you had back then, when Koufax announced his retirement, so so young for this sport, atop his game no doubt, it was a moment of not only WTF, or-did I hear that right, listen up?

A sad day for Baseball back then, I thought, and but He's KOUFAX, Koufax can't retire; He's just too damn good, did I hear that right, WTF, do this multiple times. I recall back then hearing Sandy required Cortisone the day prior to every game.

As hard as it sounded, and Imagine how Sandy was feeling, thinking........I can feel it, hear it, "We can't go on together with Suspicious Minds' no wait that was Elvis.........."I can't continue throwing in this kind of pain", being arthritic ourselves, even then too young in our old(er) Years. Let alone the King of Southpaws, and Pitchers in General K-O-U-F-A-X...........no you cannot retire Koufax.....!

His arm had to of utterly been killing him. I had read Koufax was also getting his elbow drained quit often as he was getting cortisone in, cortisone out.......