The 1880's saw the introduction of a much improved bat created by a company that would eventually become the most famous and respected name in baseball bat manufacturers to date. The now famous Louisville Slugger baseball bat was created in 1884 by woodworker John Hillerich. There has been some debate among sports historians about the exact date and circumstances that the Louisville Slugger was created, but there is no denying the impact of this improved and immediately popular design.

The ash wood bat not only influenced the game of baseball, it eventually influenced other baseball bat manufactures as well. Any baseball bat from the 1880's would be considered collectible of course no matter what name was on the bat. Because some bats were well taken care of by their owners or not used at all, it is still possible to find baseball bats from the 1880's in near mint or very good condition in spite of being over 100 years old.

Shop For 1880's Baseball Bats!

If you are lucky enough to find a bat from this era you will be the envy of other baseball fans. A great find would be one of the first Louisville sluggers. Bud had just entered the family business in 1880. It took him only four years to make the bat that would make the company famous. Any bat that you find that was made by the Hillerich and Bradsby Company from this era would be an amazing find.