Breaking into the Big Leagues

2009-09-11T07:31:00.002-04:00

Lawrence Gilligan’s dream of reaching the major leagues has faded but he and brother Joe aim to transform the national pastime. Their Garfield company, Akadema, makes innovative gloves and bats that have begun to gain big-league favor.

Noah Liberman(Glove Expert and historian) calls "Akadema the most creative of the 15 baseball glove makers in the market today. That includes giants like Rawlings, Wilson, Mizuno and Nike. Gloves are traditional and manufacturers have resisted innovation for years. There are forces of tradition that these guys are bucking."

"We don't have Derek Jeter or Nomar Garciaparra," says Lawrence Gilligan (president of Akadema) "But we do have the next generation of stars." "People are getting to know Akadema now. In six years everyone will know Akadema," notes Joe Gilligan, CEO of Akadema

Akadema® Professional

2009-09-07T07:16:00.006-04:00

At Akadema, we have not only designed a glove line with a professional and collegian player in mind, but also players of all ages and abilities. Each glove is tailor-made for selected positions with the sole purpose of raising a player's performance on the field.

1. Akadema uses only the top USA Steerhide for its Professional Series Gloves. The Professional Glove series uses US Steerhide on the glove shell, palm lining, finger lining, and binding. Akadema uses the leather from the back and shoulder area for a strong thick glove.

2. The Professional Series uses the top ¼" USA rawhide for its laces. Stronger sewing and welting techniques have strengthened the Akadema glove.

3. Infield and outfield gloves have "laced through fingers." This lacing procedure makes the glove easier for a player to tighten and maintain.

4. Using a method started by Major League equipment managers, all open web infield gloves have reinforced lacing to strengthen the shell and pocket for less tearing in the pocket and a stronger overall glove.

5. Akadema does not use pre oiled /conditioned leather in its Pro Series infield, pitching and outfield making the glove lighter and stronger for professional use.

Southern Star Sports Featuring Akadema Baseball Equipment

Breaking into the Big Leagues

Akadema® Professional