Hillerich & Bradsby, Iconic Maker of the Louisville Slugger (1855 or 1894) Sold to Wilson Sporting Goods

[darkstar965]

Any baseball fan knows the Louisville Slugger is part of the sport's historical foundation. Hillerich & Bradsby, the independent company that used to equip all major leaguers, has seen their market share shrink in recent years (to about 60% now) as domestic and overseas brands like Marucci and Mizuno have signed star players to use competing bats. Other challenges have included lawsuits and supply chain issues. They've tried to respond.  The Louisville Slugger Museum in Louisville, Kentucky is a must-see for any avid baseball fan, right up there with Cooperstown.  I've been a few times and spent a couple of hours there as recently as two years ago.

Today, a CEO with the same last name as the founder has thrown in the towel...or bat. Very sad news as the company is being sold to Wilson Sporting Goods, part of a $2.5 Billion Finnish Company.  Per the norm, all parties proclaim it good for all with few changes for now.  Sigh.