Pickleball’s Origin Story: In an intriguing twist of history, pickleball was founded by Bill Bell and Joel Pritchard on a badminton court in Bainbridge Island in 1965. These two fathers were looking for a way to entertain their bored kids. Armed with two paddles, a plastic ball, and a badminton net, they unknowingly created a sport that would captivate millions. However, as the game progressed, they realized they needed paddles, leading to the involvement of Barney MacCallum, the third co-founder.
The Paddle-Making Legacy
Barney’s son, David, fondly recalls his father’s journey. By day, Barney worked at an envelope company, but his evenings were spent crafting pickleball paddles alongside David. This dedication arose from the sport’s growing popularity, as more people discovered the joy and simplicity of playing pickleball.
View this post on Instagram
The Curious Origin of the Name
The name “pickleball” has an amusing backstory that adds to the sport’s charm. The co-founders had a dog named Pickles, who would often retrieve the ball whenever it went out of bounds.
However, some accounts suggest that Pickles was adopted after the sport’s inception, leading to some confusion around the name. Regardless of its origin, the sport’s accessibility has fueled its global rise, making pickleball one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
A Glimpse into the Past
While pickleball’s roots are firmly planted in Bainbridge Island, California’s Sonoma County also boasts a rich history in the sport. Recently, photographer Jim Johnson shared a captivating series of photos sent by Robert Phillips, capturing his experiences at the Sonoma Mountain Pickleball Camp. These images show local players using wooden paddles and following the sport’s original rules, providing a vivid glimpse into pickleball’s early days.
View this post on Instagram
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Origin Story
Pickleball was founded in 1965 on a badminton court in Bainbridge Island by Bill Bell and Joel Pritchard, who sought to entertain their children. Barney MacCallum joined as the third co-founder, crafting paddles to meet rising demand.
The name “pickleball” is inspired by a dog named Pickles. Recently, photographer Jim Johnson shared unseen photos from the 1970s Sonoma Mountain Pickleball Camp, capturing local players and wooden paddles, highlighting the sport’s deep roots and growing popularity.
ALSO READ: Pickleball Courts Coming to Shirley: A $45,000 Community Boost!
