Pickleball Fights Loneliness: In a time when the pickleball craze has taken over as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., a small group of friends is celebrating an impressive milestone: their 40th consecutive pickleball tournament. But for these guys, pickleball wasn’t something they stumbled on in a fitness magazine or through social media. It started in 1985, long before the sport was mainstream, thanks to one friend introducing it to the rest.
“Craig introduced it to us, none of the rest of us had any idea what pickleball was,” said Craig Russell, crediting his friend Craig Devine with launching their pickleball journey. Devine’s take was simple: “If you have reasonable hand-eye coordination, you know, it catches on pretty fast.”
And so the Vlasic Classic was born—a name coined by Tim Snow for one simple reason: “It rhymed, that’s all,” he joked.
The Trophy with a Twist
For this group, the Vlasic Classic Pickleball Tournament is about more than just the game. Their unconventional trophy—a jar of Vlasic pickles—has remained a staple, adding a humorous twist to their tradition. “Our trophy, which you’ll soon see, includes a Vlasic jar of pickles that’s been on there for quite a few years,” Devine explained.
The pickleball tradition quickly became a priority for the group, growing into an annual event that’s cemented their bond. “We’re individually better people for it,” said Russell. “I’m a better person for it than I otherwise would be without it.” For him, it’s the camaraderie, not just the game, that adds so much value to his life.
An Antidote to the Friendship Recession
As studies like those from the Survey Center for American Life reveal a concerning trend of men reporting fewer close friendships, the idea of a “friendship recession” has gained traction. Yet, this annual pickleball tournament defies that trend, serving as a beacon of connection and community.
“You get the sense that it is a rarity,” Russell noted, acknowledging the challenge men face in maintaining close friendships. “Not only for older men but for younger men as well, quite frankly, these days.”
From church meetings to college roommate days, this group has grown up together—witnessing each other’s milestones, from marriages to grandchildren. As John Adami shared, “To be able to process those things with this group has been a real blessing.” Whether it’s celebrating life’s joys or facing the inevitable losses, these friendships remain steady.
Friendship on the Court
This year’s milestone was just another reason to celebrate, and the men are already looking forward to their 41st pickleball tournament. Snow, anticipating the annual event, reflected, “We get to play, have fun, and pray beforehand that we don’t get injured.”
The friends joke about the reality of aging—“There may be a day when too many hips have been replaced or shoulders or whatever,” Devine quipped. But, until that day comes, they’re committed to their tradition, to the now-cloudy jar of pickles, and to each other. Because for these friends, the trophy is a symbol, but the real prize is the bond they share.
“It’s nice to have a connection to people,” Adami said. “People that care, that know you, that have seen you in a lot of different seasons.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Fights Loneliness
A group of friends celebrates 40 years of friendship and tradition with their annual Vlasic Classic Pickleball Tournament, bucking the trend of a growing “friendship recession.” Their unique bond, strengthened by pickleball, helps them navigate life’s ups and downs together. For them, the tournament is more than a sport—it’s a lifeline.
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