Hillerich & Bradsby Co. makes 8,000 variations of Louisville Slugger baseball bats. | Photo by LOUtoday
The New York Yankees just hit 15 home runs in their first three games. What’s the secret? Is it the players’ grip on the bat? The magic of hitters like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe? Lucky socks? Or could it be the bat itself?
The bowling pin style of bat — aka: the torpedo bat — refers to the shape of the barrel. It simply looks like a bowling pin, which makes for harder, faster hits.
And these viral bats are made right here in Louisville.
Cody Bellinger used the torpedo bats when he played for the Chicago Cubs.
Hillerich & Bradsby have actually been making the bats since 2023. Yankee outfielder Cody Bellinger said he already tried out the bat last year when he played for the Chicago Cubs.
Who knows if MLB teams will continue to use H&B’s groundbreaking bats. But Rick Redman, a Louisville Slugger spokesperson, told WHAS11 that the company is “continuously working with players to innovate and help them find a way to have an edge at the plate.”
Louisville Taco Week | Wednesday, April 2-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Locations vary | Price of purchase | This week, every day is Taco Tuesday — explore popular restaurants and score $2.50 taco deals.
Thursday, April 3
Masta Killa (of Wu-Tang Clan) | 7 p.m. | Zanzabar | $23 | Can you kick it? Yes, you can during this rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member’s performance.
Pet Photos with the Bunny | Tuesday, April 8 | 4-7 p.m. | Mall St. Matthews | $20+ | Bring your furry friend to get pictures with the Easter Bunny.
Friday, April 4
“Avenue Q” | Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 27 | Times vary | Henry Clay Theatre | $20+ | Don’t bring the kids to this musical that’s essentially a raunchy “Sesame Street.”
Saturday, April 5
Community Free Day | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Muhammad Ali Center | Free | Entry to the Muhammad Ali Center will be free on Saturday — plus celebrate Arab American Heritage Month with a fashion show, Arabic name writing, and food.
Walk to End Parkinson’s | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Big Four Lawn | $50+ | Lace up your sneakers for a meaningful walk, plus food trucks and a vendor market.
What could a summer adventure in Minneapolis look like?
Presented by Louisville Regional Airport Authority
Fun fact: In Minneapolis, you’re never farther than six blocks away from a park. | Photo courtesy of SDF
Imagine a summer getaway filled with a vibrant arts scene, serene lakes, and mouth-watering cuisine. Can you picture it? Minneapolis offers all that — and more.
Whether you’re a foodie, an adventurer, or just looking to explore a new city, Sun Country Airlines makes it easy with low-fare flights from Louisville to this exciting destination.
Louisville is expected to get over 10 inches of rain by the weekend. A storm system will bring rainfall and inclement weather to much of the Bluegrass State through the end of the weekend. Learn more about Louisville’s flood infrastructure. (WHAS11)
Sports
$45 million. That’s the deal Louisvillian Brandon Pfaadt signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pfaadt went to Trinity High School and was a fifth-round pick out of Bellarmine University in 2020. (WHAS11)
State
JCPS students will have to put away their cellphones next year, thanks to new Kentucky legislature banning cell phone use during instructional time. The district will present its plan for a policy on cell phones to the board next month. (The Courier Journal)
Biz
More shakeups at Yum! Brands — its CEO is stepping down. After 36 years with the company, David Gibbs will retire next year, likely in the first quarter. A succession planning committee has been established to choose the next leader. (Louisville Business First)
Plan Ahead
The Louisville Free Public Library will host the Starting Fresh Reentry Resource Fair this month, which offers recently incarcerated people resources like job preparation and educational opportunities. On Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., head to the Southwest Regional Library. Free childcare will also be provided during the event.
Outdoors
If you work for a nonprofit like a school or a church, consider applying for the 2025 Jefferson County Master Gardener Association Grant Program to fund your next horticultural project. Submit your application by Thursday, May 15.
Listen
Adrian Wooley just committed to Louisville. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Louisville Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Try This
We’re blooming with excitement over this hands-on arts and crafts experience in the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky, happening from Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27. Enjoy unique classes taught by industry experts and take home your very own work of art. Save your spot.*
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Category
Outdoors
💐 In bloom
Black-eyed susans are similar to Europe-native daisies. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
You love local food, music, business, and art — so while you’re planning your garden this spring, why not choose local plants, too?
Consider planting some Kentucky flora this spring. We’ll get you started.
Black-eyed Susan
Water needs: Moist, Dry
Light needs: Sun
Bloom time: March-November
Growing tips: Black-eyed Susans can become aggressive without competition, so consider planting it alongside other plants on this list.
Trumpet Honeysuckle
Water needs: Moist
Light needs: Sun, part-shade
Bloom time: March-June
Growing tips: Rich soil and structural assistance will help this vine climb to its full potential — up to 20 feet.
A lot of baseball in the newsletter today. If you’re longing to sip beer for nine innings, the Bats’ next home game is on Tuesday, April 8, when they take on Indianapolis. (Game on, INDYtoday.)
Plus, it’s Taco Tuesday so you can score $4 tacos. Nice.Get tickets.
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