As the State of Kentucky reopens for business, the factory that makes the world famous Louisville Slugger brand of bats for baseball and softball resumes production.

After having to shut their doors due to COVID19 about two months ago, the Hillerich & Bradsby finally opened it's door back up for employees to come work.

The company said it had to furlough around 90% of it's work force due to the coronavirus. Employees resumed work on fulfilling orders after the company received funding through the PPP program.

Back in 2015 was the first time I ever visited Lousiville, Kentucky. It was my first ever site visit in which we were touring facilities and venues to bring ISPS events to the Midwest.

It was a pleasure to meet with Dennis "DT" Turner of the slow pitch softball division of Louisville Slugger. DT and Louisville Slugger helped ISPS reach the Midwest by sponsoring the inaugural event. And we continue to work side by side with the Louisville Slugger slow pitch division to continue growing the sport around the world.

I've personally been to the factory about half a dozen times already. But that first visit was magical. After having that meeting with DT, he was able to secure a private personal tour of the factory.

One of the most memorable things I was allowed to do was to hold Babe Ruth's bat in the vault.  The vault is a secret area filled with each original models of player bats. We're talking about some of the greats. A real treat for any baseball fan.

The vault is filled with some of the most famous and iconic players of all-time. As well as some of the strangest bat models ever developed. If you ever get a chance to take a tour, don't miss the vault.

About a couple of months ago ISPS was invited on a private group tour of the factory during a conference that was being held in Louisville in 2019.

Larry Poyner, our ISPS USA SPS Kentucky State Director, and I were honored to be present and tour the facility. This time around we were allowed to swing and test Louisville Slugger bats in their underground batting cages.

Larry and I took some swings of some of the latest slow pitch softball models coming out for Louisville Slugger.  It was an amazing experience. Something that I was not able to do during my other visits to the factory.

The last stop (or first) is always "The Big Bat". The iconic Louisville Slugger Bat standing outside the factory entrance is a must-have photo snap for the IG.

This is Larry Poyner and I after our tour. We want to thank Louisville Slugger for an amazing time, every time. And we wish them continued success as they continue to bring out some of the best slow pitch softball (fast pitch & baseball) products on the market.

Visit slugger.com for more on Louisville Slugger.