Louisville Slugger celebrates 20 years of pink bats supporting breast cancer research

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville Slugger is making pink bats again to celebrate two decades of support for breast cancer research.

Sunday, May 10, will mark 20 years since Major League Baseball players started using pink bats on Mother's Day to support breast cancer research.

The idea was first pitched by Hillerich & Bradsby Co. in 2006 to bring awareness and raise money.

The National Hockey League in Canada first used pink sticks on Mother's Day. After that, the MLB brought the idea to baseball.

"It's just continued awareness that it brings enthusiasm, and it brings people together," said H&B President and CEO John Hillerrich. "It's one day out of the year that you can stop obviously thank your mother for everything that she's done for you can maybe give back a little, so I'm just hoping it's going strong."

Around 6,000 pink bats have raised roughly seven figures throughout the years.