11.5 pattern; H web; open back; medium pocket. In August 2008; Akadema did what very few American companies do these days. They brought American manufacturing home and created jobs for American craftsmen. Why is this so unique? Since the 1950?s the American baseball glove manufacturing industry has shrunk from an estimated five thousand jobs fewer than fifty jobs in 2007. A new baseball factory has not been built in the USA by an established recognized brand in nearly two decades. The reasons for the demise are all too familiar: the costs of wages; insurance; benefits; taxation; and regulations. These obstacles increase the products' cost over three times and make it impossible to compete against foreign imports. Then why would Akadema build gloves in the USA? Akadema's ownership has a love of the game and the USA. Akadema believes Americans should be able to make products which are loved and respected around the world. Our goal is to be the USA?s largest domestic baseball glove manuf"