Behind the Bat: Jack Hillerich and the Story of Louisville Slugger
Image was provided by Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
Thank you to our title sponsor Republic Bank Foundation, with support from Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
Date: February 27th, 2025
Time: Cash bar opens at 5:30pm; Program begins at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Louisville Slugger Museum Theatre (800 W Main Street)
Tickets are on sale now for purchase!
Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to hear the full story of Louisville Slugger from one of the key figures in its history. Secure your seat for this incredible evening—this is a moment in history you won’t want to miss.
Images are provided by Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
For more than a century, The Louisville Slugger has been more than just a bat; it’s been a symbol of excellence in the world of baseball. But what does it take to build a legacy that spans generations, touches the lives of baseball legends, and transforms an entire industry? On Thursday, February 27, at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, you’ll have the rare opportunity to step inside the heart of this remarkable journey as Jack Hillerich takes you behind the scenes of one of the most iconic names in sports. The conversation will be led by Kentucky to the World board member Rick Redman, VP Corporate Communications - Hillerich & Bradsby Co., Wilson Baseball/Softball Public Relations., offering a unique perspective on the Hillerich family’s extraordinary story.
The story begins with Jack’s grandfather, Bud Hillerich, son of an immigrant woodworker who, with a simple vision, created the first Louisville Slugger bat in 1884 for Pete Browning of the Louisville Eclipse. From that moment, the Hillerich family legacy was sealed—one that would forever change the world of baseball. Jack will take you through the rich history that followed, from the days when legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig used their Louisville Sluggers to redefine the game, to the pivotal moments that shaped the future of the brand.
But the story isn’t just about history—it’s about transformation. At just 28 years old, Jack stepped into the role of president and CEO after the untimely death of his father. He faced the challenges of leading the company into new territories, introducing innovations like aluminum bats, ball gloves, and protective gear, making Louisville Slugger more than just a bat company.
As Jack shares the highs and lows of his journey, you’ll learn about his collaboration with Dr. James Kleinert, a world-renowned hand surgeon, to develop patented glove technology. You’ll also hear about his vision with former Louisville mayor Jerry Abramson, who worked together to create the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.
This is your chance to get up close and personal with the history of the Louisville Slugger, and to hear from a man who helped shape its future.
Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to hear the full story of Louisville Slugger from one of the key figures in its history. Secure your seat for this incredible evening!
THE CONVERSATION HOST
RICK REDMAN
Vice President – Corporate Communications, Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
Rick Redman is an award-winning communicator with experience in television news, the gaming industry, manufacturing, sporting goods, and professional sports.
He earned a degree in communications and journalism from Bowling Green State University, then worked as a news reporter for WHAS-TV in Louisville, KY where he covered the 1984 Presidential debate between Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale, Kentucky and Indiana legislatures, and other major news events. He received awards from the Associated Press and the National Conference of Christians and Jews for a series of reports on the plight of Louisville’s homeless population.
He later joined WAVE-3 (NBC) as Executive Producer of Sports where he received an Emmy Award, television’s highest honor, while covering NCAA Final Fours, Major League Baseball, the NFL, Kentucky Derby, Indianapolis 500 and major golf championships. He created Louisville television’s first Friday night high school football highlight show.
Rick eventually made the transition from television to public relations, joining the Kentucky Lottery Corporation where he became VP of Public Affairs & Communications. He received the North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries’ highest honor, the Powers Award, as the United States’ and Canada’s leading PR professional.
Rick now serves as the VP of Corporate Communications for Hillerich & Bradsby Co., makers of the iconic Louisville Slugger® brand, and runs public relations for Wilson baseball & softball and its Wilson®, DeMarini®, Evoshield®, Louisville Slugger and ATEC® brands. Rick was elected to the Public Relations Society of America/International Association of Business Communicators Hall of Fame in 2017.
