Bat Museum Evacuated

Heavy smoke forced the evacuation of the Louisville Slugger Museum on Monday, just hours before a 50th anniversary commemoration of Jackie Robinson’s major league debut.

The smoke came from a sawdust fire outside the adjoining Hillerich & Bradsby Co. factory, where Louisville Slugger bats are made. The fire was confined to a large bin where wood shavings collect. The factory also was evacuated.

Museum director Bill Williams did not know the extent of damage the smoke might have caused the museum, particularly the old documents and uniforms kept there. Williams said he grabbed Babe Ruth’s bat and contract on his way out as a precaution.

Sprinklers contained the fire inside the sawdust bin.