Thirty-six Valley businesses fielded teams in the 7th annual Avnet 16″ B2B (business to business) Softball Desert Classic on Saturday at Tempe Sports Complex. According to tournament organizer Al Maag of Avnet, it’s the biggest turnout they’ve had in the event’s history.

In the men’s bracket, Dirk’s Moving defeated Open Lane for their 5th consecutive Desert Classic title, while Infusionsoft took the co-ed honors by upsetting Avnet’s Warehouse team, who were stopped in their quest for a 5th straight title.

The day was also highlighted by a game between the Big Kahunas, a team comprised of CEOs of Valley-based companies like Dial, Emerson, Avnet, SCF AZ, Ensynch, Smith and OneNeck against the squad from radio station XTRA Sports 910. The team from XTRA, led by afternoon talk show hosts Dan Bickley and Mike Jurecki and producer Mike Bauer, finally earned their first-ever Desert Classic victory, beating the Kahunas 7-3.

Approximately 1,000 fans showed up to watch the day’s festivities, and raised money for a great Valley charity, Spark of Hope, in the process. Spark of Hope’s mission is to provide essential solutions and services to children in need.

Maag’s goal is to grow the tournament into a two-day format in the future due to the ever increasing participation by businesses in the Valley.

If you missed the action, the championship games and the Big Kahunas vs. XTRA Sports 910 game will be broadcast on Avnet’s web-based video network, Avnet OnDemand beginning December 7th.



Men’s Champions Dirk’s Moving



Co-Ed Champions Infusionsoft



CEO Challenge Champions XTRA Sports 910

All photos: Tara Nichols/Avnet