Pickleball is a lively game that is easy to learn and can
be played by all ages. It originated on Bainbridge Island
in Washington in 1965. Joel Pritchard and some friends,
Bill Bell and Barney McCallu, returned from a golf outing
to discover that their families were bored and restless. At
first they were going to play badminton but could not find
a shuttlecock. They then lowered the net, found some
plywood rackets and a wiffleball. Pickleball was born!
The small size of the court limits running. The game is
easy to learn and does not require a high level of athletic
skill while at the same time being fast and fun. The rules
of game, then and today, stick to the belief that pickleball
should be a game the whole family can play together.
Joel Pritchard was a six-term U.S. Representative from
Seattle and a two-term Washington Lt. Governor. But it
was his invention of the game of pickleball that he felt was
his greatest accomplishment. Joel Pritchard is a member
of the Pickleball Hall of Fame. Barney McCallum formed
Pickle Ball Inc. in 1972 to manufacture Pickleball equip-
ment.
Today the sport is supported by the International
Federation of Pickleball (IFP) and the national USA
Pickleball Association (USAPA). There are numerous
national associations and tournaments worldwide. Winners
of the IFP tournament compete for the Bainbridge Cup
which will be held in Nottingham England, July 1-5, 2020.
Pickleball is also an official sport for the National Senior
Games Association. There is also a Para-Pickleball or
wheelchair pickleball that is recognized by the USAPA.
Gilroy
There are three courts in Wheeler Auditorium (250 West
Sixth Street) and private outdoor courts at Eagle Ridge.
Gilroy Parks & Recreation hosts open pickleball play at
Wheeler Auditorium most Mondays and Wednesdays from
10am to 1pm. The daily court fee is $5. Paddles are avail-
able for use. On any given day there are 20 or more players
rotate through the three courts. Players must be at least 18.
Currently, payment is in cash, but the staff is hoping to set
up a credit card option.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
Several of the Wheeler regulars are pushing for new
outdoor courts. Maria DeLeon, Recreation Department
Director with the City of Gilroy, said that there are currently
no plans to develop any outdoor courts. However, as the
number of players grows, the City will consider establish-
ing some outdoor public courts. Rumor has it that there
might be some opportunities at Sunrise Park.
Morgan Hill
There are courts at the Centennial Recreation Center
(171 W Edmundson Avenue) that are available Mondays,
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 1pm, and Sundays
(Beginners/Intermediate) from 12:30 to 2pm. Play is free
for members of the CRC, $8 for non-members who are
Morgan Hill residents, and $10 for non-members outside
of Morgan Hill.
Morgan Hill’s Public Services Director, Chris Ghione,
notes that there are no plans in the works to expand pick-
leball options at this time. However, like Gilroy, outdoor
courts could be an option in the future.
Both the Wheeler and CRC crews are a welcoming
group and very willing to help newcomers to the game.
Many players have experience playing tennis or badmin-
ton, but not all. Players come with all skill levels. There are
a few young energetic players but there are also players
with double knee replacements and those who claim a
not-so-young level of experience. The game is very egali-
tarian so doubles can include a mix of players of all levels.
The rules of the game, including the underhanded serve
and the bounce rule on the first two hits, ensure that there
is always some back and forth. It truly is a game that can
be played and enjoyed by all.
Regionally
You can find pickleball courts in at least eight San Jose
locations, as well as courts in Hollister and San Juan
Bautista, which has an active pickleball group.
SPRING 2020
gmhtoday.com
99