Pickleball Origin Controversy: Pickleball’s history is being challenged after a new theory claims the sport started earlier on Whidbey Island, not Bainbridge Island, where it is widely believed to have been invented in 1965. A new book by Patrick W. Smith suggests a family on Whidbey created the game first.
A New Claim About Pickleball’s Start
Pickleball is known to have begun in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum are credited with creating the game to entertain their families.
Without a shuttlecock for badminton, they improvised with ping-pong paddles and a plastic ball. McCallum later formalized the rules, including the double bounce rule and non-volley zone. A plaque now marks the original court, and USA Pickleball supports the story.
The Name Debate: Dog, Boat, or Pickle?
There has long been debate about how pickleball got its name. One story says the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, would chase the ball, leading to the name “Pickleball.”
Another version comes from Joan Pritchard, who said the name was inspired by “pickle boats,” a term for mixed crews in rowing. Both stories are part of the sport’s official history.
A New Book Offers a Different Story
Now, a third version has emerged. In Pickleball!: The Curious History of Pickleball From Its Origins As Picklepong 1959–1963, Patrick W. Smith claims the game started earlier on Whidbey Island.
Smith writes that his aunt and uncle, Gretchen and Charles “Chuck” Bechtel, invented a game called “Picklepong,” later called “Pickleball.” He says they used ping pong paddles, a plastic ball, and a lowered badminton net during family gatherings.
According to Smith, Joel Pritchard saw the game at a political event hosted by the Bechtels. He believes Pritchard and others later brought the game to Bainbridge Island and formalized it.
Pickles, Gherkins, and Kitchens
Smith also claims the game’s name came from Gretchen Bechtel serving pickled Gherkins to players before matches.
“The Gherkin… was instrumental in the naming of the Whidbey Island game. My aunt ‘pickled’ the Gherkins herself from a very old family recipe, while the libations were provided by Dimple, Smirnoff, and The Rainier Brewing Company.” – (Smith)
He further claims that the term “kitchen” for the non-volley zone originated from Aunt Gretchen.
What This Means for Pickleball
Smith’s claims have been met with skepticism. However, the new theory could open more discussions about the true origins of the world’s fastest-growing sport.
If proven, it may lead to a re-examination of pickleball’s early history and bring new attention to Whidbey Island’s role. For now, Bainbridge Island remains the recognized birthplace.
News in Brief: Pickleball Origin Controversy
Pickleball’s history faces new debate after Patrick W. Smith’s book claims the sport began on Whidbey Island between 1959 and 1963, not Bainbridge Island in 1965. Smith says his family invented “Picklepong,” inspiring today’s game. The claim challenges official histories and could reshape the sport’s known origins.
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