Louisville Slugger® has supported U.S. military efforts dating back to World War I when the storied company sent baseball equipment to soldiers in Europe to boost their morale. American soldiers in WWI reportedly shed tears of joy upon first seeing those famous Louisville Slugger bats.
Louisville Slugger has helped U.S. troops in every war and conflict since by sending them baseball, softball, and other sports equipment. Working with non profits, which support deployed soldiers and their families, Louisville Slugger has helped send more than 17 tons of sports gear to soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2003.
Now Louisville Slugger and its sister division Bionic® gloves are stepping up to the plate for our military again, this time challenging other companies and individuals to help the families of our deployed soldiers. The company that makes the Official Bat of Major League Baseball and equipment for youth, high school, and college baseball is supporting Iraq war veteran SPC Troy Yocum’s 16 month effort to march 7,000 miles over America while drumming up support, literally, for military families. He calls it Hike for Our Heroes.
Louisville Slugger and Bionic are providing a variety of assistance for Yocum’s Hike for Our Heroes, including a network of help across the U.S. as well as patented high-tech Pro Mark® Bionic drummers’ gloves to keep Yocum’s hands fit while playing his drum over 7,000 miles. Bionic drummer’s gloves, developed by Dr. James Kleinert, a leading orthopedic hand surgeon, fight fatigue, blisters, and calluses.
In addition, Louisville Slugger has contributed $1,000 to Hike for Our Heroes and is challenging other companies and individuals to match or surpass its contribution.
“We encourage companies and citizens across America to step up and assist the families of our deployed soldiers through Hike for Our Heroes,” Redman said. “These soldiers and their families have sacrificed so much for all of us, it’s fitting that we show our support for them.”
Yocum will begin his 7,000 mile journey at Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory’s “Big Bat” on April 17th. The museum will also have a special display during Yocum’s Hike for Our Heroes, honoring his efforts and remembering military Families in need.
“Louisville Slugger and Bionic have supported my dream of drumming and marching across America to help military families from the beginning,” Yocum said. “They connected me with their partners at Heroes of the Diamond who, along with Louisville Slugger, will help me connect with pro baseball teams to march the bases at ballparks and raise awareness and funds for Vets in need.”
As Yocum notes on his web site, www.drumhike.com, the need is great. Military families are in need of assistance during our strugglying economy. By spreading awareness he hopes to save the homes and lives of his fellow brothers and sisters in arms.
“They have fought for us, and now I will fight for them. If I reach the goal of $5 million, then many families will be helped,” Yocum said.
