Pickleball Origin True Story: Sixty years ago, a simple game created by three dads on Bainbridge Island, Washington, turned into what is now one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Pickleball, invented in 1965, has grown from a backyard activity to a multi-billion-dollar global industry.
A Game Born from Boredom
In 1965, Joel Pritchard, Bob Bell, and Barney McCallum were looking for a way to keep their kids entertained. With basic equipment and a chalked driveway, they made up a new game on the spot. That fun moment became the start of pickleball.
Ruth Rosenquist, a board member of the Global Pickleball Federation and friend of Barney McCallum, shared the story in a recent interview with DUPR. She explained how the sport grew from that moment into what it is today.
Not Named After the Dog
For years, people believed the sport was named after the Pritchard family dog, Pickles. But that story isn’t true.
“The actual inspiration came from the term ‘pickle boat,’ which is a rowing crew made up of leftover oarsmen from other boats,” said Ruth Rosenquist. “One of the inventors’ wives said the sport was similar, pulling pieces from other games like tennis, badminton, and ping pong, and combining them into something new. And just like that, pickleball was born.”
Building the First Paddle
Barney McCallum took the game seriously from the start. He went into his woodshop and built the first paddle by hand. That simple act helped shape how pickleball is played today. He also helped design the no-volley zone, called the “kitchen,” which keeps rallies fair and fun.
Growing Slowly but Steadily
For many years, pickleball spread through word of mouth. Players made their own courts and used what they had. Ruth Rosenquist remembered driving 30 miles just to find a place to play in the 1990s.
In 2013, she helped bring the sport into the spotlight by convincing NBC Nightly News to air its first story about pickleball. That broadcast helped give the sport its famous label: “America’s Fastest Growing Sport.”
A Sport That Keeps Surprising
Ruth Rosenquist also remembered a fun moment with Barney McCallum. When she told him that one day pickleball could make money, he laughed for five minutes. At the time, it was hard to imagine the game growing so big.
Today, pickleball is a serious industry. A report from Market.us (April 2025) says the global pickleball market will grow from USD 2.2 billion in 2024 to USD 9.1 billion by 2034. That’s a 15.3% annual growth rate.
Pickleball Around the World
Now, pickleball is played in over 160 countries. DUPR has ranked players across the globe. The sport may even be on its way to Olympic recognition. From kids to seniors, it brings people together.
“Bringing joy to people’s lives everywhere it goes,” said Ruth Rosenquist.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of pickleball. The sport is still fun and inclusive—just like it was on day one.
News in Brief: Pickleball Origin True Story
Pickleball, created in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bob Bell, and Barney McCallum, is now celebrating 60 years. From a driveway game to a global sport played in 160+ countries, it’s now valued at USD 2.2 billion and growing. Ruth Rosenquist shared the true story behind its humble beginnings.
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