95-Year-Old Pickleball Player: Don O’Brien, a 95-year-old Oak Park resident, is proof that age is no barrier to staying active and enjoying life. Every morning, he joins a group of pickleball players at Euclid Square Park, where the courts are full of energy and camaraderie. For O’Brien, pickleball is more than just a sport—it’s a way to start his day and stay connected to his community.
“It’s just something to get my body going in the morning. It’s something to do and to look forward to.” – (Don O’Brien)
The group at Euclid Square Park welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. According to Oak Park resident Tim Bannon, the group started during the COVID-19 pandemic and has grown ever since.
“One thing about this group at Euclid is that we are very democratic. You don’t need an invitation. You don’t need to know somebody to join, and you don’t need to be at a certain level. Everybody is welcome.” – (Bannon)
Dedication to the Game
Despite being the oldest player on the courts, O’Brien’s athleticism and passion for pickleball stand out. Even on mornings after it rains, he arrives early with a squeegee and broom in hand to dry the courts. This ensures the group can play without delay. “He’s here every single day,” said Hooi Lim, an Oak Park resident who plays regularly with O’Brien.
Lim and others admire O’Brien’s commitment to the sport. In November, Lim organized a special celebration for O’Brien’s 95th birthday. When O’Brien arrived at the courts, he was greeted by more than 30 players singing “Happy Birthday.” He was presented with a large cake and a new lawn chair to rest between matches.
“At 95 years old, I hope I can still walk properly let alone play pickleball. He’s awesome.” – (lim)
Lim and her teenage daughter also gifted O’Brien a custom t-shirt. The shirt reads,
“95 Years Young and Still PickleBalling…What’s Your Excuse?”
A Lifetime of Sports
Before discovering pickleball just two years ago, O’Brien was an avid tennis player. He picked up tennis in 1948 while serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserve at the age of 19. After retiring in 1991, O’Brien joined a local tennis group at Taylor Park, playing three to four times a week for 30 years.
“I played with them for many years—actually, 30 years. During that time, people in the group came and went.” – (Don O’Brien)
In 2021, O’Brien became curious about pickleball after watching players on nearby courts at Taylor Park. The underhand serving style appealed to him because he had torn his rotator cuff a decade earlier and could no longer serve overhand in tennis. The smaller court size also seemed like a good fit.
“At Taylor Park, I saw people on nearby courts playing this new game, pickleball. The convenience was too appealing, so I started playing there almost every day.” – (Don O’Brien)
O’Brien quickly fell in love with the sport and found a new community at Euclid Square Park.
“I just really enjoy the game. I love it.” – (Don O’Brien)
Community and Connection
Beyond the physical benefits, pickleball has brought O’Brien a sense of connection and friendship. The players at Euclid Square Park share a bond that extends beyond the game. The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere reminds O’Brien of the iconic theme song from the 80s/90s sitcom “Cheers.”
“It’s a place where everybody knows my name.” – (Don O’Brien)
O’Brien’s life outside of pickleball is just as full. He enjoys singing and has been active in community theater and barbershop quartets. He and his wife of 71 years, Margaret Mary, have five children, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Inspiration for All Ages
For the pickleball community and beyond, O’Brien’s story is an inspiration. His dedication to staying active and social at 95 sets an example for people of all ages to find a passion, stay engaged, and make the most of every day.
“Don is 95 years old and here he is playing a solid game of pickleball. It’s remarkable.” – (Bannon)
With a smile on his face and a paddle in hand, Don O’Brien proves that age is just a number. So, what’s your excuse?
News in Brief: 95-Year-Old Pickleball Player
At 95, Oak Park’s Don O’Brien is a pickleball inspiration, playing daily at Euclid Square Park. A former tennis player, O’Brien embraced pickleball in 2021 for its accessibility and friendship.
Known for drying courts after rain and showing up with enthusiasm, O’Brien inspires players of all ages. Recently celebrated with a custom shirt and birthday party, he proves that staying active, connected, and passionate truly keeps you young.
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