We’re actually more adept at mountain biking. . . but this year, GearJunkie.com formed a softball team. We play double-headers each Monday evening at a field in Golden Valley, Minn., near Minneapolis.
At pitcher, The Gear Junkie himself (Stephen Regenold) holds the helm through dusty innings where opposing teams might rack up a half-dozen runs. (Though Regenold has been known to heave a mean high-ball, too, leaving many batters swinging and confounded.) Mike Santi, the Online Publisher for GearJunkie.com, stands in the “ready position” at shortstop most nights. He is a veritable wall for the ground balls and liners that commonly come into his part of the field.
GearJunkie.com’s head of technology, John Peacock, shuffles between right-center in the outfield and catcher. And our marketing guy, Pat Petschel (not pictured), when he shows up (he coaches his daughter’s T-ball the same evening. . .) is most likely to be infield.
Who’s the best hitter? Mike and Pat take top honors there. Regenold ain’t bad, but his strengths go more toward mountaineering and aerobic sports like bike racing.
For gear and outdoors items at the games, Regenold has been known to eat Clif Bars between innings. His water bottle of choice for softball is an aluminum Sigg 1-liter. And de rigueur for the whole team is the custom Gear Junkie Headsweats hat and custom Gear Junkie Buffs, both headwear products that Regenold believes may yet still bring good fortune to the team as the season winds to a close in late July.
Play Ball!