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Coronavirus: Louisville Slugger manufacturer will market face masks

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Slugger is famous for its bat production, but the company also makes catcher’s masks. Now, the company’s manufacturer will be producing reusable face masks.

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Hillerich & Bradsby’s nonmedical grade masks will be called “Maskonic” and will sell in packs of four for $16.99, the company announced.

The company said the masks are antibacterial and water repellent and can be washed up to 10 times. The product evolved from Hillerich & Bradsby’s Bionic Gloves.

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Company officials told WAVE-TV it makes no claims the masks can kill COVID-19. But Hillerich & Bradsby spokesman Rick Redman said the masks will come in handy.

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“If we can help fill a void by providing our masks, then we’re thrilled to do that," Redman told the television station. "And at the same time, while we’re helping to protect the health of the citizenry, this is also bringing some financial health to our company at a time that it’s very much needed.”

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The company said some of the proceeds will go toward Feeding America food banks, WAVE reported. Shipping for the masks is free, WDRB reported. They’re available at Maskonic.com and BionicGloves.com.

“We realized we could rechannel our supply chain," Redman told WDRB. "We could reconfigure the manufacturing of our award-winning Bionic Gloves and start making face masks to help in the fight against this terrible virus and also help in the financial health of our company.”

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Hillerich & Bradsby said it would be shipping masks to the homes of all of its employees for their families’ protection, WDRB reported.

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