The Soft Pitch

A record crowd and a record 36 Valley-area businesses competed in Avnet’s 7th Annual 16-Inch B2B (Business-to-Business) Softball Desert Classic tournament on Saturday, November 14 in Tempe, AZ. The 16-inch softball classic is one of Avnet’s key annual community outreach programs, attracted more approx. 1000 players and fans.

Men’s champion again for 5th year was Dirks Moving and Storage over Open Lane and Avnet’s warehouse team also going for 5 in a row failed as Infusionsoft upset them in the bottom of 7th with 2 runs in best game of the day.  The first-place co-ed team and men’s team won a Phoenix Coyote suite tickets; second-place teams won a $25 gift certificate for every team member to Don and Charlie’s, a local Scottsdale restaurant.

The big highlight was the XTRA Sports 910 beat the valley CEO’s 7-3. Lead by pitcher Gene Holmquist from Ensynch, Brad Casper from the Dial Corporation their MVP, Avnet’s Ed Smith, Ecoedge Barbara Johnson, Vince Adam and Bob Anderson our valued suppliers and Stephen Dow from Emerson, and ss Chuck Vermillion from OneNeck, among others competed, but failed to beat XTRA’s Bickley and MJ’s stars including Howler from the Coyotes. The CEO’s were coached by Avnet’s Vallee and Smith from SCF AZ.

The event benefit Spark of Hope, a Tempe-based organization that focuses on providing assistance directly to disabled children and their families who are not supported by traditional charitable programs.

It’s about fun, networking, employee morale and helping needy children — a grand slam. I’m so proud the game of 16″ softball is making a difference in the valley. I want to thank our sponsors and team behind the scenes lead by Lisa DeBride and Spark Design. Our brand is enhanced in so many a positive ways as we do these programs…one; as business improves some of these folks will become employees.

“There are not a lot of events that can bring so many local businesses together, especially one that benefits one charity,” said Ensynch President and CEO, Gene Holmquist. “It’s an opportunity for our coworkers to give back while also having the chance to meet other Valley professionals.”

The championship games and CEO vs 910 will be broadcast on Avnet’s web based video network, Avnet OnDemand , December 7 at

Hensley donated beverages, Vienna Chicago hot dogs were served and a children’s area included face painting, animal balloons and other events.
Tournament sponsors were: SCF Arizona, Ensynch and Computer Associates and the presenting sponsor is Spark Design. Also lending support: The Phoenix Sports Commission, PrismaGraphic, XTRA Sports 910AM, Brodeur Partners, Vienna Beef and BMA

We have seen in our customer and community scores that we have increased in our brand preference by 15 % due to company personality…the trust in our employees and things they do in the community top that list.  

I believe that my favorite past time has had an impact on that score.  As I reflect on the opening of the Chicago 16 Inch Softball Hall of Fame today in Forest Park, Il. Avnet has indeed been able to enjoy our brand being noticed by being involved in the sport/sponsorship.

Out 7th annual 16″ B2B Tourney for Businesses is scheduled for Nov 14th…there is a buzz about it…starting with the 28 teams from last years venue and the all the CEO’s who played in the “featured game” on TV vs the XTRA Sports 910 Radio squad (the CEO’s won). By the way the games on TV were the # 2 show on Phoenix Tv during the day both years  it was shown. ( I must admit it is is either really good TV or what are those folks doing on that day?…geez get a life).

The venue has a great impact on morale for companies here, many of which are our vendors, suppliers and customers, which is good thing ! I know people want to work us because of the vibe. We have been able to raise money for charities too. This year we will support the Phoenix Sports Commission Youth programs and AZ Sports Hall of Fame effort. Last an most important I know our employees enjoy playing it, and it’s great for morale. Men and women play and we have from senior leaders to sales to warehouse players involved.

Did you know the great game of softball started in Chicago in 1887…when bored alumni of Yale and Harvard were waiting for ticker tape scores of the big football game between the two schools? They wrapped up a boxing glove and started hitting with a broom stick. Want to know more about 16 Inch softball? 16Inchsoftballhof.com  By the way our HOF Inductee Park looks great. Special thanks to KODAK, March manufacturing and Vienna as sponsors…trust me Avnet’s name will be noticed there too.  Looking forward to the ceremony and celebrity game. By the the GOV of Illinois declared by proclimation, today is 16 Inch Softball Day in Illinois. If in the area stop by from 11-3 and say hello

My wishes came true, went to Wrigley Field and saw the Cubs play on Saturday and Sunday with my best friends and wife and son. The Cubs played bad and and watched our right fielder, a guy (Milton Bradley) who gets paid $10 million dollars lose track of how how many outs there were and threw the ball into the stands with only two outs while the Twins ran around the bases…embarrasing.  Dont get me started.

Ate at my favorite resturants in Chicago, Harry Carey’s and Domo 77….and stayed at the Drake, very kool. 

But my the best was saved for last when approx 50 friends and family showed up to play 16″ softball at Forest Park. Some of these old guys can still play. I hit ok, when I got on twice I had a younger 59 year old girl run for me on the bases. The laughs and stories were memorable. Good to get back our roots…talking to people that do not care about what I do and where I travel…only me as a person. My cake was in shape of Wrigley. My wife wore one of my old uniforms from my first team the Baggers…my son wore Molex uniform, a team that was recognized in the Hall….so no one would complain I wore an Avnet Dry Heat jersey. 

But what was really cool was the hope on three issues…there were 4 new babies there, young kids…what a future in this world for them. While there everyone could see the progress on the 16″ Softball Hall of Fame being built…wow…I’m very proud of our folks…opens 7/19…and last everyone was hopeful biz and life would improve….even though a few have had a rocky year.

We came home and I got a surprise Monday when my staff and others had real Chicago dogs and hostess cup cakes for me…at lunch. They know me well.

Alot of folks over 700 read my last blog post…thanks for listening…again the first 50 years were great, Avnet made the last 10 being great and in overdrive. Stay tuned I’m just getting started.

Our 6th annual B2B 16″ softball event will attract 15 men’s and 11 local company co-ed teams to Tempe Sports Complex Saturday Nov 1st…I have been asked, so why do we do it? It is a great opportunity for hundreds of players to have fun, network and add some morale to their companies. It is also a great op to enhance our brand in the community as we support two charities, YMCA and PHX Sports Comission…and then as a good employer….people want to work for a leader that is supportive of the community and has fun.

The championships and celebrity game will be on TV December 6th…last year it was the 2nd most watched show on in the afternoon…people need to get out more.  Winners go to a Coyote game in a suite…sweet. 2nd place goes to my favorite restaurant in Scottsdale, Don & Charlies…owner Don Carson is 16″ softball guy from Chi-town.

The highlight this year will be local CEO’s lead by another Chicago boy who misses 16″ softball, Gene Holmquist, CEO of Ensynch versus XTRA Sports 910 radio team at noon…should be a good crowd for that epic struggle. Rumor has it Doug Parker CEO of US Air will be his big hitter. The medic will be busy.

Lots of other fun stuff for kids to do…so if you are in the area..stop by…we are right next to the Cardinals HQ on Hardy near North of Warner.