Major League Baseball’s Pickleball Phenomenon: Pickleball is becoming very popular in Major League Baseball (MLB). Coaches, managers, front office staff, and umpires have all picked up paddles. From Arizona to Florida, and in ballparks and parks across the country, pickleball is replacing golf and basketball as the top way to stay active and compete.
The game has quickly spread through spring training camps and road trips. Players and staff use it to relax, stay fit, and build friendships. Many Major League Baseball teams have even built courts or visit local ones while traveling for games. Pickleball is now a fun, bonding, and sometimes superstitious tradition in baseball.
Pickleball Battles Enter the Spotlight
In 2024, a big match between the Los Angeles Dodgers’ assistant GM Jeff Kingston and Triple-A manager Scott Hennessey got the team buzzing. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and 80 to 100 people gathered at Chicken N Pickle, a local eatery with courts, to watch.
Roberts said, “When somebody is a self-advocate of themselves, I like to see it play out in competition.” Betting lines and odds were even set. Hennessey, full of confidence, gave Kingston a five-point lead but lost the match, leaving Roberts stunned. “Henny came in the next day and ate crow,” Roberts added.
At ESPN today, the story behind these vids, featuring the intros and final point of a fierce pickleball match between Dodgers exec Jeff Kingston and Triple-A manager Scott Hennessey. Dave Roberts bows down to the winner! pic.twitter.com/x9YjiOvA1L
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) April 17, 2025
Texas Rangers Use Pickleball for Good Luck
The Texas Rangers made pickleball part of their winning season in 2023. Team physical therapist Regan Wong and the staff played in every city, even in cold Chicago weather. Wong said, “It’s a great way to stay active. There’s camaraderie. Teamwork. S— talking. It gets our juices going.”
One pitcher noticed the team’s good record when the staff played. Wong checked the calendar and confirmed a 90% series win rate after playing. After a tough series in Seattle, where they couldn’t play, they made sure to hit the courts for the rest of the playoffs. “I’m not saying that was the reason we came out on top, but we were a little superstitious,” Wong said.
MLB Teams Get Competitive with Pickleball
The Milwaukee Brewers built two pickleball courts at camp. General manager Matt Arnold joked about being ranked just below infield coach Matt Erickson, the “VP of pickleball operations.” Arnold admitted, “It’s a little like the stock ticker. Up and down. I’m Bronny James. I’m really good in the G League but not so much in the show.”
The Boston Red Sox held tournaments, while the San Diego Padres mixed tournaments and rankings. Padres manager Mike Schildt said, “It got so competitive, we had to take a break.” Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty brought this intense play to Chicago too.
Players Slowly Join the Pickleball Fun
While team staff loves pickleball, players are slower to join. Dodgers star Mookie Betts used to play but said, “I’m done. I don’t play anymore. I got hooked on golf again.” Dodgers president Andrew Friedman noted, “I don’t think it’s a great thing for the Dodgers’ ultimate success for a lot of guys to be playing pickleball.”
Still, some players like Detroit Tigers’ Riley Greene enjoy it. “It’s one of the more fun sports to play,” he said. Others, like Cincinnati’s Jeimer Candelario, still ask, “What’s pickleball?”
Umpires and Families Join the Craze
Umpires also love pickleball. Vic Carapazza said, “Getting on a treadmill every day sucks. Playing pickle for two hours feels like 30 minutes.” Umpire Chad Fairbanks got his son into the game. “At first he’s like, ‘Dad, I’m not playing pickleball, this is dumb,’” Fairbanks shared. “Now he’s addicted.”
Why Pickleball Matters in Baseball
Pickleball has become a bonding tool in Major League Baseball. It helps teams stay active, improves teamwork, and adds fun to busy seasons. Some see it as a lucky charm, while others use it to relax or compete. As Regan Wong said, “We’ll play anytime in any city. It’s so much fun.”
News in Brief: Major League Baseball’s Pickleball Phenomenon
Pickleball is quickly becoming a favorite sport in Major League Baseball. Managers, coaches, front office staff, umpires, and some players play it to stay active and have fun. Teams use pickleball for bonding, fitness, and even superstition during the season. The sport’s popularity is growing fast across the league.
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