Dick Grapenthin will re-join Mizuno USA, Inc. as the new Vice President/General Manager of the Diamond Sports Division. A one time pitcher in both the Major and Minor Leagues, and longtime baseball marketing executive, Grapenthin will oversee the entire Diamond Sports Division, which includes manufacturing, sourcing, sales, and marketing for Mizuno baseball, slow pitch softball, and fastpitch softball.

“At Mizuno, we pride ourselves with having a unique, in-depth expertise, knowledge, and experience in the categories in which we compete, and Dick’s addition to Mizuno’s Diamond Division reflects our commitment to that strategy,” said Bob Puccini, President Mizuno USA, Inc., and Chairman, Mizuno Canada, Ltd.

Grapenthin re-joins Mizuno from a consulting position with Hillerich & Bradsby Co., parent company of Louisville Slugger, in their import product business where he experienced great success. Before that, Grapenthin worked with Mizuno for five years beginning in 1997 as Business Unit Manager for ball gloves, and quickly accelerated up the ranks to become Senior Director of Marketing for the Diamond Division. While with Mizuno, Grapenthin was an integral part in doubling the company’s market share in ball gloves, and subsequently helping create a roadmap for Mizuno to eventually become #1 in market share.

“Having played ball at the highest level and being immersed in the game my entire life, I’ve always had a passion for Mizuno. Their reputation is unmatched with regard to product performance, quality, and craftsmanship,” said Grapenthin. “Baseball is in my blood, and all players of the game, young or old, know that Mizuno is the best in the business. I’m extremely excited to be back with the #1 baseball company in the world.”

“We’re extremely excited to have Dick re-join the Mizuno family and lead our diamond division,” said Puccini. “During Dick’s tenure with Mizuno, he spearheaded our efforts in the ball glove arena which resulted in huge jumps in market share, profitability, and essentially led us to where we are today.”

Before Grapenthin was with Mizuno he gained experience with Easton Sports of Van Nuys, California, in a Marketing and Sourcing Position, and was pitching coach for Clemson University before that. His playing career consisted of a decade of professional baseball, including three seasons in the Major Leagues with the Montreal Expos.

Grapenthin graduated from Indiana State University with a Masters of Science in physical education and athletic administration along with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He later went on to earn his MBA from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Grapenthin and his wife and three children currently reside in Alpharetta, Georgia.