Valley families looking for fun in the sun while watching the biggest big ball softball tournament around or businesses looking for a team-building exercise should check Avnet’s 16-Inch Softball Classic.

In addition to action on the field, there will be live music, Chicago style hot dogs and activities for the kids.

On Saturday, April 21st, 32 teams, 16 co-ed and 16 men’s teams made up of valley businesses will compete in the 9th Annual Avnet 16-Inch  Softball Classic at Tempe Sportsplex. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, the teams will be compete in this single elimination Chicago-style softball tournament in support of Swing Fore Kids and the Spark of Hope/JDRF Foundation.

Sponsored by Emerson and Insight, the event will also include clowns painting faces and making balloons for all the kids; door prizes and raffles; and winners of the co-ed and men’s division win D-Back’s Suites. Second-place winners get Don & Charlie’s Gift Certificates.

As the highlight of the tournament, Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ron Santo’s family will take to the field and play in the Celebrity Team against the CEO’s at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21st. The celebrity team also includes Dan Bickley, Mike Jurecki and Mike Bauer, along with valley sports and TV personalities.

CEO’s and Presidents who were invited include; Doug Parker of US Airways, Brad Casper from Phoenix Suns, Phil Gallagher of Avnet, Todd Davis of Lifelock, Bryan Sperber from PIR, Vienna’s Jim Dencek, Steve Dow of Emerson, Gene Holmquist of Insight, Steve Zylstra, president of AZ Tech Council and columnist for AZ Business Magazine.

For more information on Avnet and the 16-Inch Softball Classic, visit Avnets’s website at avnet.com.