On October 24 in pickleball history, one interesting contemporary note is the unveiling of the Founder's Legacy Cup, which honors the origins and growth of the sport. This new trophy was announced around late October 2024 by USA Pickleball in celebration of the pioneers of the game and its rich history. The Founder's Legacy Cup serves as a tribute to the founders Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, who invented pickleball on Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1965. The trophy highlights the sport's evolution from a backyard pastime to a nationally competitive game with a dedicated community and structure.
The original invention story of pickleball is deeply tied to that first summer in 1965, when three families improvised the game using ping-pong paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and a badminton court. The game was meant to be simple and inclusive for family fun. The first permanent court appeared just two years later in 1967 in the backyard of a friend and neighbor, marking the beginning of pickleball’s formal development. By 1976, the first pickleball tournament was held in Tukwila, Washington, signaling the sport’s arrival on a competitive stage.
As for the name pickleball itself, there are several charming stories. One popular tale involves a dog named Pickles, who would chase after balls during play, inspiring the game’s name. Another explanation connects the name to a "pickle boat" in crew, reflecting how pickleball was formed from the leftovers of other sports such as badminton and paddleball. Bill Bell, one of the inventors, also claimed he named it for the feeling of putting his opponent "in a pickle" with tricky shots. Despite the differing stories, it is this sense of fun, community, and creativity that defines pickleball.
Today, pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States and around the world. From its modest beginnings to being featured on national television, its expansion continues rapidly with thousands of clubs, professional tournaments, and developments like certified referees and official publications. The Founder's Legacy Cup embodies this journey, honoring the roots and progress of pickleball every time it is contested.
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