From MLB to Picklebal: J.D. Martinez, a World Series champion and six-time MLB All-Star, is preparing for life after baseball by pursuing a professional pickleball career. The 37-year-old has signed an exclusive partnership with JOOLA, a leading pickleball equipment brand, to support his transition into the sport.
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The deal, announced on February 3, includes coaching, equipment, and competitive opportunities. Martinez has already started training with JOOLA professional Eric White and plans to compete in professional events such as the PPA Challenger Series. Additionally, he will collaborate with JOOLA to host his own pickleball tournaments.
“I see pickleball as a sport I’ll be involved in for the long run, and JOOLA’s commitment to the sport and my personal growth in the game makes this partnership even more special,”-( Martinez.)
From Baseball to Pickleball
Martinez, who played for the New York Mets during the 2024 season and is currently a free agent, is embracing a new challenge. While he continues his baseball career, his growing passion for pickleball has led him to invest time and effort into mastering the sport.
“What I love is how people of all ages can play and compete on an equal level—it’s all about skill,” .
“Every time I step onto the court to play, I feel like I uncover another layer of the game, and it keeps drawing me in. The competition aspect is what keeps me hooked!”-(Martinez)
Expert Praise and Future Outlook
Eric White, who is coaching Martinez, believes the former MLB star has immense potential in pickleball.
“In our short time working together, I can already see he loves the game of pickleball and is willing to learn better pickleball habits,”.
“Because of that enthusiasm and willingness to change, he truly has no ceiling.”-(Eric White)
With JOOLA’s backing, Martinez is expected to make a strong push into the competitive pickleball scene. His involvement in the sport not only highlights the growing appeal of pickleball but also adds another high-profile athlete to its ranks.
As he prepares for the next chapter, Martinez’s transition from baseball to pickleball could inspire other athletes to explore the fast-growing sport.
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News in Brief: From MLB to Picklebal
J.D. Martinez, a six-time MLB All-Star, is preparing for a pro pickleball career after signing an exclusive deal with JOOLA. The partnership includes coaching, equipment, and tournament opportunities. Training with pro Eric White, Martinez aims to compete in the PPA Challenger Series while continuing his baseball career as a free agent.
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