Vince Van Patten Joins Pickleball Team: The Coachella Valley Scorpions of the National Pickleball League made headlines today with a significant roster addition: former tennis pro-Vince Van Patten.
Van Patten, known for his 1981 victory over then-world No. 1 John McEnroe, brings a wealth of experience and a notable presence to the team. Alongside his tennis career, Van Patten is a longtime commentator on the World Poker Tour and a familiar face on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” He joins the Scorpions as an injury substitute, as confirmed by team minority owner and player Kim Jagd. The Scorpions, established in May as one of 12 teams in the over-50 professional league that launched in 2022, currently hold a 7-5 record. With two regular-season events remaining, they are ready for a run toward Championship Weekend in October.
Initially a self-described “tennis snob,” Van Patten admitted that his perspective on pickleball has evolved.
“The funny thing about pickleball is, you go to a tennis court and you hear the ball popping and no one’s really watching the matches. You show up at a pickleball court, and people are laughing and having fun and talking. It’s the greatest social game there is.” – (Van Patten)
On July 25, actor Vince Vaughn was announced as the team’s majority owner, purchasing his stake from Jagd, whom he met on a pickleball court in Manhattan Beach. Vaughn, renowned for his roles in films like “Swingers,” “Wedding Crashers,” and “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this Monday. Although Van Patten has yet to meet Vaughn, he is optimistic about the growing involvement of Hollywood in pickleball.
“It’s so exciting and good for pickleball. It’s neat to see him and the Hollywood community get involved more and more with pickleball.” – (Van Patten)
In addition to Van Patten, former professional motocross and off-road racer Mark Mallott of Lake Havasu, Arizona, has also joined the Scorpions’ roster. Mallott will be available as a substitute for this weekend’s PickleCon event in Kansas City, Jagd announced.
News in Brief: Vince Van Patten Joins Pickleball Team
The Coachella Valley Scorpions of the National Pickleball League have added former tennis pro-Vince Van Patten to their roster as an injury substitute. Van Patten, known for his 1981 win over John McEnroe and his roles as a World Poker Tour commentator and “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” guest, brings a notable presence to the team.
The Scorpions, currently 7-5, are preparing for Championship Weekend in October. Actor Vince Vaughn, recently announced as the team’s majority owner, is set to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Former motocross racer Mark Mallott has also joined the roster, available for the PickleCon event in Kansas City this weekend.
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