The Soft Pitch

A friend sent me this…Gotta love the league rules…people can scalp their tickets but wont let regular folks and charities to benefit from their product on TV. Gee wiz  I wonder if that bar I’m going to will be able to have the game on and sell beer and food still? Mr. Spock would say “not logical”.

We had root beer float day for big game week !!!! Our folks are gearing up…we had contests all week…today u can win Cardinal/Steeler Wilson offical footballs…Go Cards !

As u may gather my passion is 16″ softball… the game of softball started in Chicago in 1887 at Faragut Boat Club…when alumni from Harvard and Yale were waiting for ticker tape results of the football game between the two schools. Bored, the men wrapped up a boxing glove and started playing indoor baseball with a broom… and so goes the start of a great game.  I created a documentary on the game and eventually co-founded the Hall of Fame in the 90’s…and still work with some very dedicated directors to honor this great game.

I flew into Chicago for the 13th annual awards and inductee dinner at Hawthorne Park (which has ties to the Cardinals with Mr Bidwill) Race Track…it was zero degrees…so I lost 70 on that one. Over 500 folks attended again…and it was another success. We then honored great women, men and teams for being the best…including My high school Lane Tech won the championship again. For more info: 16inchsoftballhof.com

I would like to focus on Mike North who was inducted in the HOF with his on air partner Steve Kashul for the media award. One famous notable to go ahead of these two men in the media area was Mike Royko a Chi-town icon. Royko would have been happy with North going in.

Mike North is an icon there too…his personality on radio and tv for decades has attracted people to watch and listen. He is ChacaGO guy…a past hot dog stand owner (don’t laugh those guys make more than some C level executives) who is someone I respect. Not everyone has a degree in journalism or multimedia to be successful…or always say the right things…he makes dust fly. I love the fact he is behind the scenes making things happen for others too.  I’m attracted to folks who are street smart…he is it. People do not get wrapped up with how he says his message…they hear the passion, personality and the content. Saturday night the noise level was pretty loud…but when Mike spoke it was pretty darn quiet. That is a communicator !!!

The next generation will know a hundred ways to communicate using technology, but will be the least savvy people ever when it really comes to being street smart. We talk about social media all the time…hell that ain’t social that’s digital…hiding behind your computers. Get off your butt push the damn computer away, internet, games and pdas stop for a few hours and go do something. Be social !!!! Most kids I know have never been on a bus unless it was chartered. Most young people do not play or do stuff outside everyday like we did…hell they have 500 TV channels, the internet etc…why go out?

Street smart folks are usually more innovative, have a personality, and just more down to earth in my mind…they know how to cut through baloney, good at anticipation, and probably would be good at op ex or in sales.  Bottom-line I think you will find our management a combination of street smarts and very well educated people…we have a personality and passion to make sure we succeed and get through these global economic issues and be doing even better than when the crisis started.

Go cards

This week we promoted Philip Gallagher to serve as global president for Avnet Technology Solutions, one of two global operating groups within Avnet. He is really one of those guys who has few if any folks rooting aganist him.

Gallagher’s appointment will be effective March 2nd and he will report directly to Avnet Chief Operating Officer Rick Hamada, With $7.6 billion in revenue in FY 2008, Avnet Technology Solutions operates in 35 countries covering Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe. Avnet Technology Solutions delivers enterprise computing and embedded technology products and solutions from the world’s premier computer manufacturers and software suppliers.

Gallagher is a 26-year veteran with Avnet and currently serves as president of Avnet Electronics Marketing, Americas, a position he assumed in 2004. The rest of the press release is on the front of avnet.com.

He is just another example of our folks moving from one operating group to another…which I (we) think is a good thing to make us stronger. He is a a superb communicator, engages people and a team leader…my bet is dont bet aganist him. The TS folks already a solid organization will become a VERY solid team and even more formidable competitor with Phil at the helm.

He was at the top of our succession plan, but most companies have that, and the janitor knew Phil was keeper. What is impressive is our global leadership training we have been doing under Roy’s leadership and Steve Church’s direction. Phil is another by-product and journalists are noticing our efforts. By the way we are not cutting training in the these tough times.

I was going to try not to say anything about the Cardinals…but Phil had some bad vibes this week…he is from Philly and yes he was rooting for the Eagles. He was booed by 100 PHX people when he showed up last week at a staff meeting waering a green Eagle’s jersey…gotta love it. I know he is big Cardinal fan too…so he won either way. The Cards and Phil, a good week for me.

Super Bowl 43…

GO CARDS

“We are going to the super bowl”. 7 words you want your team’s fans to hear. The AZ Cardinals the worst playoff team in history according to many experts just got to the big dance…the Super Bowl by beating the favored and talented Phildaelphia Eagles. That was one of the most exciting games I have ever been involved in (and my team is really the Chicago Bears)…the crowd was sooo loud for every Eagle play and responded so well to the ups and downs of the game. The Eagles made a huge comeback and almost won…by QB Kurt Warner would prevail on a long drive capped off Hightowers exceptional catch and 9 yard run into the end zone. If Fitzgerald w 3 TDs is not best end in football….who is? Great for our city and it’s real fans. I’m still in disbelief.

More later I’m tired.

Great lessons for all, Never underestimate your opponent…and an unselfish team w a good culture can surprise you…

Just got back from the fab Barrett Jackson car auction in Scottsdale…if you have not been at their annual event here ya gotta go. Even if u do not like cars…it is awesome to see so many cars from early 1900’s to 2010 new models. Ya need about 4-5 hours to see the displays, booths, eat, watch the people, see all the cars and the auction. Saturday night is the biggest day…saw the first Tbird every made…the car as they said started rock and roll…the black “55 beauty went for $500,000. They sold a Ford airplane for $1,100,000. whoa     Also saw Richard Petty, very cool.

I got to meet Angela Morse from Philly here for the auction (thanks to Phil Neri at BJ for her tickets)…she wants to start the first Business Marketing Assoc.  chapter in Philadelphia. Gave her all the pros and a couple of cons on how we started our BMA chapter here…good luck !!!!

It’s only 14 hours before the NFC Championship…Cards vs Philly. The first title game for AZ Cardinals…should be wild.  Home field advantage will be key to any Cardinal victory aganist such a good team. Only bad news is the Cards were on the cover of SI again. 

Our Americas leader at Electronics Marketing had a meeting with his team Friday…Phil Gallagher is from Philly…God bless him, he showed his real colors and showed up in his Eagles jersey…the red clad employees booed him. Gotta love the passion of sports fans, booing their boss.

We were also booed by one Philly customer by having the Cardinal logo on our website. Hopefully we get booed for having it up two more weeks (Super Bowl).