7.17.2007 - 11:59pm ET

(CSRwire) LOUISVILLE, KY- July 17, 2007 - Louisville Slugger(R), the historic baseball bat company announced today it will begin producing the first ever "All American Bat" in support of Operation Slugger II, the second such effort led by USA Cares to provide sporting goods equipment to U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The red, white and blue full size Louisville Slugger - Operation Slugger II/USA Cares bat is being produced and is available on the www.sluggergifts.com web site, on the USA Cares web site and at select locations across the country.

In 2005, Louisville Slugger and its parent company, Hillerich and Bradsby Co. teamed up with USA Cares, and others to collect over 13 tons of new and gently used sporting equipment that was shipped to Iraq and Afghanistan to provide a morale boost to the men and women serving in harm's way.

John A. Hillerich IV, President & CEO of the company, said, "We have continued to receive requests from the troops for equipment to help fill in the down time, and seeing the generosity of America last time, it was an easy decision to help develop Slugger II. Our support will continue for as long as it is needed".

Hugh Dukes, Executive Director of USA Cares, noted, "Louisville Slugger honored our staff and volunteers with this continued level of national support and in turn, a web site (www.usacares.us/honor) has been established that will allow purchasers of the bat to honor a family member or friend who is serving or has served our nation. That list will be included in all 600 sporting goods kits that will be assembled and shipped to the combat theater."

The proceeds from this limited edition bat will provide support to the mission of USA Cares and Slugger II. The bat is expected to sell for $60, plus shipping and handling.

This year, fire departments in various locations across the country are joining the Operation Slugger team to serve as local collection points for the donations. Firefighters will then ship the collected equipment to members of the Chicago Fire Department who have volunteered to sort and ship the proposed goal of 600 kits of equipment in July. Anyone who would like to join the team should send an email to slugger@usacares.us for more information.

To order a limited edition Red, White, and Blue Operation Slugger bat or to get more information on how you can help support Slugger II, visit www.usacares.us/slugger.

About Louisville Slugger

Louisville Slugger(R) is the Official Bat of Major League Baseball and is a name that is synonymous with America's pastime. Originating in 1884, Louisville Slugger bats graced the hands of the greatest players in baseball history including Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Jackie Robinson, and Hank Aaron, to name just a few. Stars of today also swing Louisville Slugger bats including Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, Andruw Jones, and Ken Griffey, Jr. Louisville Slugger also makes TPX(R) baseball equipment for college, high school, and youth players, as well as TPS(R) equipment for slow-pitch and fastpitch softball players. Louisville Slugger is a brand of the Hillerich & Bradsby Co., a fourth generation family-owned business that also makes PowerBilt(R) golf clubs and Bionic(R) Gloves for a variety of sports and recreational activities.

About USA Cares

USA Cares is a world wide charitable organization serving military service members and their families of all ranks and branches with direction and advice along with grant assistance for quality of life issues caused by military service. To date, USA Cares has received requests from over 6,000 service members and families with more than 3M dollars in organizational and found resources granted. USA Cares, in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation, has also saved military homes from foreclosure in 34 states across the nation. Learn more about USA Cares by visiting www.usacares.us.

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