Coming up is National Pickleball Day—celebrated each year on August 8 to honor the founding of pickleball and the vibrant, growing community it has inspired. The day aligns with the founding of USA Pickleball (originally USAPA) in 2008, and was formally designated in 2021 by instructor Deirdre Morris to encourage play, connection, and celebration across the country.
What better day to share this story?
While I was out on the Tarrytown NY pickleball courts this summer, the only man among 15 women having the time of my life, I couldn’t help but reflect on just how far pickleball has come.
Because I was there—not at the very beginning, but close enough to feel like part of the origin story.
Pickleball was born in 1965, in the backyard of Joel Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel—who later became a U.S. Congressman and the Lt. Governor of Washington—was one of three dads looking for a way to entertain their kids. They improvised. They lowered a badminton net, grabbed some plywood paddles, and started batting a plastic ball back and forth. What they created was a game that now has millions of people addicted—and smiling.
Joel was a friend of mine. I’ve stood on that original court, seen where the lines were first chalked out, and felt the simplicity and spirit of those early games. Who could have imagined that little slice of summer play would become a national phenomenon?
But Joel wasn’t just the co-inventor of pickleball. He was one of the most decent, caring, and quietly powerful human beings I’ve ever known. A lifelong Republican, he served in both the Washington State Legislature and the U.S. Congress—but what defined him wasn’t party loyalty. It was empathy. He walked across the aisle as easily as he walked across a tennis court. He listened intently. He helped anyone who needed help. He brought people together.
Back in the ’70s, I thought people like Joel were the norm in politics. Now, looking back, I realize how rare and valuable he truly was. I miss him terribly.
And I think there’s a little piece of him still alive every time two strangers meet on a court, shake hands or bump their paddles, and start a game. Pickleball, at its core, is about connection—and so was Joel.
Why Is Pickleball So Popular?
The reasons are many—and I’ve lived most of them.
– It’s easy to learn. Unlike tennis, there’s no steep learning curve. Within minutes, new players can be rallying and laughing.
– The court is small. You don’t have to be 25 or super fit to enjoy a good game. Short bursts of movement, fast hands, and smart positioning matter more than speed or power.
– It’s mostly doubles. This makes it social by nature. You’re constantly meeting people, switching partners, and sharing laughs between points.
– It’s multi-generational. I’ve played with three generations of my family on the same court—me, my daughter, and my grandkids. There aren’t many sports where that’s possible.
– It builds community. Public courts around the country are now daily hubs of laughter, movement, and connection. You might show up a stranger and leave with a new friend—or five.
Add to that a low cost to get started, minimal equipment needs, and a welcoming spirit, and it’s no wonder pickleball is growing faster than any other sport in the country.
The Big Stage
Pickleball isn’t just a backyard game anymore. It’s a televised sport with professional leagues, corporate sponsors, and even retired tennis pros getting in on the action. John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, and the Bryan brothers have picked up paddles. There’s a national championship. There are training camps. There’s even a debate about whether pickleball deserves Olympic status.
But for me, it will always be something simpler.
A morning on the court. A good rally. A shared smile. And if I’m lucky, 15 women on a Wednesday who let me join in the fun.
Heartwarming story about Pickleball and your comments on Joel Pritchard, its founder, who was your friend, on the court, and off, in politics, who “walked across the aisle” to do the work for the people he represented.
That ability to connect and not divide is sorely missing in our politics today.
Hope you can find more of those 15 to 1 odds you enjoyed on the court this summer!
Neil you also were a stalwart that helped us introduce PB to Outdoor Resort. People like you made all the ire we endured from the tennis few worthwhile. I still bear the scars of those encounters. But, my how things have changed, Too bad the likes of Pritchard are not in Washington these days. Back in the early days of PB at ORI I served as Vice President of the HOA and Richard Barrett-Hamilton was President. , We dutifully and happily served in our roles. Despite only 18% of the Resort being Canadians we Canucks were very active in all aspects of ORI. I introduced the Bunion Wedge Golf Tournament to the Resort which carries on for over a dozen years now. We collectively worked on Charity Projects etc. I wonder if the same spirit will prevail this year. I for one will not be travelling to the US and I shall avoid buying US goods and services as long as we are being disrespected, goaded and threatened to become the 51st State.
The tariffs are damaging both countries. Having spent 15 years in the Coachella Valley, spending a couple million dollars happily paying taxes to DC, CA and Riverside County, I shall now choose Europe and/or stay in Canada until such time as the collective attitude changes toward us.
PS, regarding PB I vividly recall about 17 years ago playing doubles with Jerry Nation in the then International Invitational Tournament, held in Palm Desert which has now morphed and moved to the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens. We did not win, but ORI did have players in it that accounted very well of themselves and maybe Neil you were one of them!
earl,
so understand your feelings about the Trump assault on Canada and Canadians. but, rest assured, that definitely does not reflect the feelings of love and companionship that almost all Americans have for our neighbors across the border. we love Canadians and do not want to lose the connections we have made over the years.
neil
Great story about Pickleball. I have many fond memories of playing pickleball at ORI. Thank you for the wonderful story.