Pickleball was named after either the family dog, Pickles, or the "pickle boat" in rowing. This simple question has one of the most charming and debated origin stories in all of sports. As a longtime pickleball player and enthusiast, I've heard both versions of the story shouted across the net and discussed over post-game drinks. The mystery is part of the fun, but you're here for the real answer. So, let's dive deep into the history books and personal accounts to finally settle the debate on where did pickleball get its name, exploring the two famous tales that define the sport's quirky beginnings.
The Birthplace of a Phenomenon: Bainbridge Island, 1965
To truly understand where did pickleball get its name, we have to travel back in time. The year is 1965, the location is Bainbridge Island, Washington. Two friends, Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell, returned to Pritchard's home after a game of golf to find their families bored and looking for something to do. Their initial idea was to play badminton, but they couldn't find a full set of rackets or a shuttlecock.
This is where the classic story of American ingenuity kicks in. They grabbed some table tennis paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and lowered the badminton net. They started volleying the ball over the net, quickly realizing they had stumbled upon something incredibly fun. Soon after, they roped in their friend Barney McCallum, and together, the three men began to formalize the rules for their new backyard game. The game was a hit, but it needed a name.
The "Pickles the Dog" Theory: A Tale of a Furry Friend
This is the story you've most likely heard on the court, and it's certainly the most popular one. According to this version, the Pritchard family had a cocker spaniel named Pickles. As the story goes, Pickles had a habit of chasing after the plastic ball whenever it went astray, running off with it in his mouth.
The playful interference of the family dog became a running joke. Whenever the ball went out of bounds, someone would yell, "Pickles has the ball!" In honor of their furry, ball-stealing companion, the family supposedly began calling their new creation "Pickle's ball," which was eventually shortened to the name we all know and love today: pickleball. This heartwarming tale of a family pet immortalized in a sport's name is easy to remember and share, which is why it has spread so widely.
The "Pickle Boat" Theory: A Nod to Rowing
While the dog story is charming, another, perhaps more historically accurate, version exists. This theory comes directly from Joan Pritchard, Joel's wife. She was an avid rower and familiar with the term "pickle boat." In the sport of crew (rowing), a pickle boat is the last boat to finish a race, often filled with a hodgepodge crew of leftover rowers from other teams who weren't chosen for the more competitive boats.
Joan felt this concept perfectly captured the spirit of their new game. Pickleball was created by cobbling together equipment from different sports—ping-pong paddles, a wiffle-style ball, and a badminton net. She said the game itself was a mix of different elements, just like a pickle boat crew. According to Joan, she was the one who suggested the name because the game reminded her of the pickle boat in crew.
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So, Which Story is True? Unraveling the Mystery
So, where did pickleball get its name for real? This is where the story gets a little fuzzy and becomes a piece of sports folklore. For years, the "Pickles the dog" story was the undisputed champion. However, interviews with the Pritchard family in later years revealed a different timeline. Joan Pritchard stated that the "pickle boat" reference came first. The family dog, Pickles, was actually named a couple of years after the game was invented, in honor of the sport.
Barney McCallum, another one of the co-inventors, has been quoted as saying he was there when Joan mentioned the pickle boat, lending credibility to her account. It seems the official record points toward the rowing term. However, the story of the dog is so beloved that it has become the unofficial, popular truth for many players.
Ultimately, the real answer to where did pickleball get its name is likely the "pickle boat" theory. But the legend of Pickles the dog lives on as a testament to the fun, family-friendly, and slightly quirky origins of the sport. Whichever story you choose to believe, they both reflect the game's spontaneous and creative beginnings on a summer afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Where Did Pickleball Get Its Name
Who invented pickleball?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 by three fathers on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Their names were Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They created the game to entertain their bored children during the summer.
Was the dog really named Pickles?
Yes, the Pritchard family did have a cocker spaniel named Pickles. However, according to Joan Pritchard, the dog was named after the game had already been given its name, not the other way around.
What is a pickle boat?
In the sport of crew or rowing, a "pickle boat" is the term for a boat filled with a miscellaneous crew of leftover rowers. It represents a thrown-together mix, which is how Joan Pritchard described the game's equipment and rules.
Why are there two stories about the name?
The two stories exist because of how the legend evolved over time. The "Pickles the dog" story is more heartwarming and easier to share, so it became very popular. The "pickle boat" story is the version told by co-inventor Joel Pritchard's wife, Joan, and is considered by many to be the more historically accurate account.
Does the name affect how the game is played?
No, the name has no bearing on the rules or how pickleball is played today. It's simply a fun piece of trivia that speaks to the sport's humble and creative origins.
The Legacy of a Name
Whether you're on Team Pickle Boat or Team Pickles the Dog, the origin of the name adds a layer of charm to an already fantastic sport. It reminds us that pickleball wasn't born in a corporate boardroom but in a backyard out of a simple desire for family fun. The name, like the game itself, is a little quirky, very friendly, and has a story worth sharing.
The next time you step onto the court, take a moment to appreciate the spontaneous spirit that started it all. Share the story with a new player and ask them which version they prefer. Now, go have fun, and maybe keep an eye out for any furry friends who want to join the game