Player-manager of two national championship teams, Joe Hunt probably did more than any other man to focus attention of the softball world on Phoenix in the pre-war period. He was organizer and playing manager of the legendary Funk Jewels of Phoenix, considered the most colorful and exciting team in softball history. Hunt carried his teams into national prominence during a 15 year period and captured the national championship in 1938 with Funk Jewels and again in 1947 with Farm Fresh Markets. An outstanding first baseman, Hunt also was active as an administrator and was first president of the National Softball Congress which conducted national tournaments in Phoenix.