LOUISVILLE, Ky. — North Carolina’s baseball program has agreed to an exclusive bat deal with Louisville Slugger.

The Tar Heels signed a six-year agreement to use BBCOR bats from baseball’s leading bat maker.

“We are very excited to reunite with Louisville Slugger,” said UNC coach Mike Fox, who took the Tar Heels to five College World Series between 2006 and 2011, reaching the championship in 2006 and 2007.

“Our program found itself in a unique position this past fall as our players were able to swing any make or model bat they desired. It was clear after our fall season that we needed to swing Louisville Slugger exclusively.

“In terms of performance, service, technology and the people, it was an easy decision. Louisville Slugger is baseball bats, and we are very fortunate to be a partner with such a first-class company.”

“We’ve known coach Fox for a long time and respect him for the first class program he runs. It’s a model of the type of program we want to partner with,” said Louisville Slugger college baseball program manager Kevin Uhrhan.

In addition to North Carolina, other top collegiate programs sponsored by Louisville Slugger, include Arizona, Stanford, Florida State, Rice, Baylor and Louisville.