HP Takes the Hardwood

In the winter of 1944, Hewlett-Packard fielded its first sports team, a basketball squad. In its augural season, the HP team played only one opponent, the Fisher Research Lab, and lost all three games. Still, employees were thrilled for the introduction of HP sports. “The spirit as exemplified by our enthusiasic rooting section warrants a continuation of plant competitive athletics. Why, we were yelling our heads off!” noted one company newsletter. “We want to see other Hewlett-Packard teams in action. … these other activities would round out a most beneficial athletic program, which we feel would be reflected, both for the good of the individual employee, and for the good, therefore, of the Hewlett-Packard Company as a whole.”