Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original U.S. Navy WWII U.S.N.-marked Louisville Slugger softball bat manufactured by Hillerich & Bradsby Co. of Louisville, Kentucky. Measuring just under 34 inches long, the bat retains strong original factory markings together with the desirable U.S.N. military property marking near the barrel.

The 1940s were a time of transition, both for this country as well as the sport of baseball. America was plunged into World War II, and with the enlistment of many "able-bodied men", the very face of baseball changed. Every man that enlisted in the service was given the standard set of "Government Issue" (G.I.) equipment: uniform, helmet, socks, T-shirts, boots.... For a time back in the 1940s, the Military also issues baseball equipment to the troops! This was endorsed by the President, who said that baseball should continue, even during times of war, to keep this country together.

This is an outstanding U.S. Navy U.S.N.-marked “Louisville Slugger” Baseball bat by Hillerich & Bradsby Co. The cartouche in the center reads:

LOUISVILLE SLUGGER
102
HILLERICH & BRADSBY CO.
MADE IN U.S.A.
LOUISVILLE, K.Y.
TRADEMARK REG.

OIL TEMPERED

It is also marked near the end with:

U.S.N.
LOUISVILLE SLUGGER
SOFT BALL

Hillerich & Bradsby was already one of the most important American sporting-goods manufacturers by the beginning of World War II. During the war, the company contributed directly to military production, manufacturing items including M1 carbine gunstocks, tank track pins, and billy clubs, while also continuing to produce baseball and softball bats for U.S. troops.

This example is especially appealing for the combination of its strong LOUISVILLE SLUGGER / 102 / HILLERICH & BRADSBY CO. center brand, OIL TEMPERED marking, and prominently stamped U.S.N. / LOUISVILLE SLUGGER / SOFT BALL barrel designation. Its moderate service wear is entirely appropriate for a piece of wartime recreational equipment and gives it a particularly strong connection to the everyday life of U.S. Navy personnel during World War II.