Old Hickory Bat Company and Nashville High School Baseball Player Sign Name, Image & Likeness Partnership
Jan. 4th, 2023
Goodlettsville, TN – Old Hickory Bat Company today signed their first Tennessee high school Name, Image and Likeness agreement with Alex Junghans. As part of the deal, Junghans, a star switch hitting infielder for Lipscomb Academy, will use Old Hickory Bats exclusively while competing with his showcase team, Dirtbags National during the 2023 summer and fall seasons.
The partnership comes on the heels of Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Associations (TSSAA) historic decision to allow high school athletes the ability to monetize their Name, Image and Likeness. That decision was unanimously approved on December 8, 2022.
NIL partnerships in baseball aren’t as widely known, especially at the high school level. “We know Alex and his family. Alex played in the local recreation leagues, local travel leagues and now he’s one of the best players on one of the best teams in the country. So, in addition to this being a good story for a local kid, his ability to play in the biggest tournaments against the premier high school players in the country provides good exposure for the Old Hickory Bat brand,” said Travis Copley, Vice President Sales & Marketing Old Hickory Bat Company.
Beginning this spring and after the high school season, Junghans, a Wake Forest Commit, will use Old Hickory bats exclusively in all tournaments. He’ll also appear in advertisements promoting the brand.
“I’m still sort of stunned that I have an NIL deal,” said Junghans. “Throughout my playing career I’ve used a lot of bats and Old Hickory is by far the best. I’m excited and honored they are partnering with me and hope our relationship continues for many years.”
Tennessee became only the second southern state to allow NIL for high school athletes and becomes the 22nd state in the US to permit NIL while retaining eligibility. Under the new TSSAA rules, student-athletes are allowed to profit from their Name, Image and Likeness as long as payments are not related to their on-field performance and there is no TSSAA member school involvement.
Contacts
Travis Copley, Old Hickory Bat Company copley@oldhickorybats.com
Alex Junghans alexgjunghans@gmail.com
