Tino Martinez Pickleball Academy Partnership: Former New York Yankees star Tino Martinez has officially joined The Pickleball Academy in Oldsmar, Florida, as an ambassador and strategic advisor. His role will support the sport’s growth through community programs, events, and promotion of pickleball’s health and lifestyle benefits.
Martinez Partners with The Pickleball Academy
Tino Martinez, a four-time World Series champion and two-time All-Star, has become an important part of The Pickleball Academy. He will take part in events, promote youth and community involvement, and spread awareness about the sport’s positive effects.
“I’ve fallen in love with the energy and competitive fun of pickleball. The Pickleball Academy is building something really special, and I’m excited to help it grow, not just in Florida, but across the Southeast.”(Tino Martinez)
Martinez’s involvement was announced in a May 2025 press release. His goal is to help expand the game, especially among younger players and families.
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How Martinez Discovered the Academy
According to a July 7 article in the Tampa Beacon by Mike Camunas, Tino Martinez first found The Pickleball Academy last summer while looking for a place to play.
“I was looking for this place about a year ago. I was trying to find it and the door is very hidden. So I was driving back and forth trying to find it and [owner Eric Klaus] pulls up and says, ‘You looking for pickleball?’ I don’t think he recognized me at first,” (Tino Martinez).
Martinez and Eric Klaus quickly bonded over the sport and shared excitement about helping pickleball grow. Klaus, who owns the facility, is happy to have Martinez involved and sees his presence as a boost for the community.
A Welcoming Community for All
Eric Klaus enjoys seeing Martinez take part in local events and appreciates the lessons he brings from his experience as a pro athlete.
“It’s cool to have him here I mean whether it’s a tournament or he just shows up to play one afternoon, but I think he stays under the radar a bit when here — because he just wants to play, but the pickleball community is such a welcoming, fun, social community I don’t think anyone cares on the court,” (Eric Klaus).
“He’s helping us grow, for sure, but I also think, while playing, others don’t care whether you’re a four-time World Series champion or you’re a little old lady who’s learning to play the first time — they all come in here and they’re all playing pickleball because it’s for everyone, and Tino understands that.”(Eric Klaus)
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Just Another Player on the Court
Tino Martinez loves being on the court and getting to know the people around him. He doesn’t mind if players know who he is or not.
“Some people recognize me and some people don’t. Once I say Tino, there’s not too many Tinos around, so once they figure out I’m Tino, and then they really want to beat me to tell their friends or take a selfie with me and all that,” (Tino Martinez).
“It’s funny because everybody — the doctors and lawyers, teachers, whoever it is playing — they all are competitive. They all want to win. And they all want to have fun with pickleball. Which is all I want to do, too, while helping The Pickleball Academy grow the sport.”(Tino Martinez)
News in Brief: Tino Martinez Pickleball Academy Partnership
Baseball legend Tino Martinez has joined The Pickleball Academy in Oldsmar, Florida, as a strategic advisor. He will promote pickleball’s growth and support local events. Martinez now plays regularly at the academy and enjoys being part of the welcoming community helping the sport grow across the Southeast.
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