Stitching a part of America’s Pastime

Since May 20, a company in Zanesville has brought the making of an American tradition back inside the country’s boarders. 

APEX Sports is producing handmade softballs in Muskingum County. The business is currently operating out of the gymnasium at the Muskingum County Business Incubator. it’s the only setting in the United States where softballs are being made.

For the past 35 years, each ball used has been made overseas. William Wilson owns APEX Sports. He said it’s time to produce a part of America’s game back in the country. 

"It’s our game. We invented it. We play it. We don’t make any part of the game. Nothing,"  he continued to say, "you can’t do that. I can’t allow that to happen. It’s what has to be done."

He cited cheaper labor as the main reason production moved away from the United States. At APEX, each ball is made in about a half hour. Wilson said the business is slowly growing and that new orders come in each week. Matt Abbott, Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority Executive Director, said it’s great to have a new business that has plans to expand in Muskingum County. 

"When we can bring jobs back, not only to the state of Ohio, Muskingum County, Zanesville but back to the United States, I think it’s creating a win win for all kinds of people involved," he said. 

It’s an art that Wilson said his staff of ten is working to perfect. According to Wilson, the growth potential is huge, as he plans to get more people in and continue to expand within the next couple of months.