Why is it called Pickleball? The Surprising Origin of the Sport’s Name

Have you ever wondered why the popular sport of pickleball is called, well, pickleball?

The name may seem odd and have nothing to do with the game itself, but there is actually a fascinating story behind it.

In this post, we will delve into the surprising theories on the origin of the sport’s name and answer the question: Why is it called pickleball?

From its humble beginnings on a small island to its rise in popularity around the world, let’s discover how pickleball got its unique and memorable name.

Brief History of the Sport of Pickleball

During the summer of 1965, on Bainbridge Island in Washington, a novel game was born.

It was the brainchild of three fun-loving friends — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — who were on a mission to keep their children occupied during the long summer break.

The game that they invented was an exciting mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, ingeniously designed to be easy to learn and irresistibly engaging.

The trio had no idea that their summertime creation would soon take the world by storm, leaving sports enthusiasts both captivated and somewhat bemused by its unusual name.

As the game soared in popularity, so did the curiosity surrounding its name – Pickleball.

The quirky name brought about multiple amusing theories and speculations, so let’s take a look at a few of the more common theories and try to get to the bottom of the mystery.

The Boat House Theory

One intriguing theory about why it’s called “Pickleball” is tied directly to the spot where the game was conceived.

This story suggests that the sport got its unique moniker from the Pritchard’s family boat house.

As the tale goes, the boat house was warmly referred to as “The Pickle Barrel”.

The first matches of the game were played in close vicinity to this boat house. Thus, it has been proposed that the game was initially dubbed as “Pickle Barrel Ball.”

Over time, the name was simplified and streamlined, eventually morphing into the catchy “Pickleball” that we know and love today.

This theory paints a picture of a warm, sunny day by the boat house with the children enjoying their newly invented game, the echoes of laughter mixing with the rhythmic sound of the ball being hit back and forth.

It’s an endearing image, one that captures the casual, family-friendly spirit of Pickleball. However, it’s important to note that this is just one possible explanation to how the sport got it’s name.

The “Pickle Boat” Crew Tale

Venturing into another compelling theory, we navigate the waters of competitive rowing, specifically looking at the term “pickle boat.”

In the rowing world, a “pickle boat” refers to the crew that is slowest or last, usually made up of remaining rowers who didn’t make the first cut.

This pickle boat theory suggests that, similar to its rowing counterpart, the game of Pickleball was an engaging distraction for the kids after the adults had chosen their preferred summer activities.

The spirit of the game was inclusive and casual, embracing all who wanted to participate, much like the pickle boat that accepted the remaining oarsmen.

The name “Pickleball” is thought to have been derived from this concept, symbolizing its ethos of inclusivity and fun.

So, the next time you see a lively game of Pickleball in progress, consider this theory that connects the sport to a humble rowing tradition, adding yet another layer of charm to the game.

Joan Pritchard’s Influence on the Name

Drawing closer to the heart of the pickleball name mystery, we must take a look at a key member of one of the founding families: Joan Pritchard.

Wife of Joel Pritchard, Joan herself was no stranger to the competitive world of sports. A dedicated rower, her intimate knowledge of crew terminology gave much credibility to one of the most widely accepted theories behind the pickleball name.

In the realm of rowing, the term “pickle boat” held a special meaning. Joan noted that the game of pickleball, like a pickle boat, was made up of leftovers.

Only, in this case, it wasn’t leftover oarsmen, but leftover elements from other sports — a little bit of tennis, a touch of badminton, and a dash of ping-pong.

This intriguing mix of sports created a new, exciting game that welcomed all players, regardless of age or skill level.

Joan’s understanding of the spirit of pickleball, its inclusivity and casual fun, led her to associate it with the pickle boat of her rowing days.

So, every time you call out for a game of pickleball, some say you could very well be referencing an endearing piece of rowing history.

The Official Stance on the Sport’s Name

The saga of the pickleball name origin would be incomplete without addressing the official narrative given by the founders themselves on why it is called Pickleball.

According to Barney McCallum, one of the game’s original architects, the unusual name came from a rather unconventional source: the Pritchard family’s dog, Pickles.

As the story goes, this energetic pup had a particular fondness for nabbing the ball mid-game and scampering off, much to the players’ amusement and mild frustration.

The infectious energy of this dog added a unique flavor to the game, and it was in this spirit that the sport was officially christened “Pickleball”.

However, like a tantalizing mystery novel, this tale is not without its twists and turns. Detractors point out a notable chronological discrepancy, as Pickles did not join the Pritchard household until two years after the sport’s inception.

This timeline mismatch adds an intriguing wrinkle to the narrative, leaving the true genesis of the pickleball name shrouded in delightful mystery. The charming lore surrounding the pickleball name continues to spark intrigue and inspire conversations, much like the sport itself.

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to check out the rest of our posts for all things Pickleball!