NewsHanley signs with Louisville Slugger
NL batting champ's signature will appear on bats
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
10/14/09 1:34 PM EST
MIAMI -- For winning the National League batting title, Hanley Ramirez recently won the Silver Bat Award, presented by Louisville Slugger.The Marlins All-Star shortstop is regarded as one of the top players in the game. In 2009, the 25-year-old paced the NL with his .342 batting average, and he became the first Florida player to win the batting title.
Ramirez's name again is being attached to Louisville Slugger. The company has announced it has signed the Marlins slugger to a bat contract.
The contract means Louisville Slugger can put Ramirez's actual signature on bats instead of using block letters.
"We're thrilled to sign such a great young star as Hanley Ramirez," said Louisville Slugger pro baseball division manager Chuck Schupp. "Hanley plays the game the right way. He's a very talented player who is dedicated to becoming the best he can be. We look forward to providing Hanley with the highest quality bats possible during what many believe can be a Hall of Fame career."
After batting leadoff his first three years in the big leagues, Ramirez in 2009 switched to No. 3 in the batting order. He had a strong overall season, driving in 106 runs while scoring 101 runs. He added 24 homers, 42 doubles and 27 stolen bases.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
