From 1875 to 1901, J.F. Hillerich's carpentry shop stood at this site. In 1894, J.F.'s son, J.A. "Bud" Hillerich, attended a Louisville Eclipse major league baseball game, and after star player Pete Browning broke his bat, Hillerich offered to make a new one. Browning got three hits the next day, and soon his teammates wanted to order Hillerich bats. Hillerich expanded the bat business and trademarked "Louisville Slugger" in 1894. In 1916, the name changed from J.F. Hillerich & Son to Hillerich & Bradsby Co. The company excelled at bat making and marketing and became a worldwide icon, later moving to 8th and Main Streets with pro bat factory tours and a baseball.
