Who We Are
Paul Cunningham, Craftsman, Facilitator
Founded by Paul Cunningham, a native son of Cooperstown, NY and a long time sports industry professional.
As the Photo Editor for Major League Baseball, Paul had the privilege to work with the greatest baseball photographers in the world. While at MLB, Paul was also honing his skills as a passionate leather craftsman.
Following a calling, Paul left Major League Baseball to serve as the Sr. Baseball Glove Craftsman at a small baseball glove importer. The need for independence and creative freedom lead him to strike out on his own. Forming Leather Head Sports, Paul first created LEMON BALL™ baseballs and LEATHER HEAD™ footballs. With old world craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, he has carved out a niche in distinctive, finely crafted American leather goods.
Dante Santiago, Founding Craftsman
Dante Joined us in 2018 and quickly became an indispensable part of the team. Dante is a gifted craftsman who, without prior experience, soon mastered the critical elements of sports ball construction. With a craftsman's dexterity and an artist's sensibility, Dante offers endless inspiration. Dante's intelligent and thoughtful presence, make him a joy to have in the shop.
Debbie Vander Wiele, Director of Production
Debbie is the first employee of Leather Head Sports and the linchpin that keeps us in business. It's impossible to overstate Debbie's value to our company. She is a highly skilled sewer who assembles every ball that leaves our shop, and that is just the beginning. She manages production, workflow and our material supply. Debbie started in 2009 as a baseball stitcher, and now she manages all Lemon Ball production, in addition to sewing many of the Lemon Balls that we sell.
Catherine Leonard, Director of Administration
The affable Catherine joined Leather Head Sports in 2012 to take charge of our administrative functions. Since then, she has become our Cruise Director, General Manager, and moral compass. Unfailingly cheerful and kind, Catherine is the glue that keeps us together. She's the communicator that massages our wholesale accounts, and the bookkeeper that keeps the work flowing.