It’s one of the most popular myths in sports: pickleball got its name from a dog named Pickles, who would chase after the ball during early games.
Now, this story is certainly entertaining. It’s even cute. Unfortunately, it’s also not true. The sport’s real name origin has nothing to do with a pet and everything to do with a quirky rowing term.
There was a badminton court on the property at the time, and Joel and Bill went there, where Joel lowered the badminton net to his hip height (26 inches, I believe). Next, they headed for a nearby shed, retrieved some plywood, and Joel drew the pictures of two paddles. They then cut out the paddles and headed for a store to buy the perfect ball for the game. They tried everything, not finding an answer. Along came a young neighbor, Dick Greene, who was carrying a plastic bat and a whiffle ball. The inventors asked to borrow the whiffle ball and found it was perfect for a knock over the net. I doubt Dick ever got his ball back.
Joan Pritchard, wife of pickleball co-creator Joel Pritchard, had actually revealed in an old article that the name “pickleball” actually came from the“pickle boat” in crew racing—a boat made up of leftover rowers from different teams. Since pickleball itself was created by combining elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, the name reflected its mixed origins.
Joan did clarify that there indeed was a dog named “Pickles.” But she came just after pickleball was invented and was so named after the new game.
The name of the game became Pickle Ball, after I said it reminded me of the Pickle Boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats. Somehow the idea the name came from our dog Pickles was attached to the naming of the game, but Pickles wasn’t on the scene for two more years. The dog was named for the game, but stories about the name’s origin were funnier thinking the game was named for the dog.
So, while the idea of a paddle-wielding pup may be fun, the sport’s true name reflects its mash-up of different sports rather than a playful pet. Either way, pickleball’s quirky name has only added to its appeal, and with its rapid growth, it’s clear the sport is here to stay—dog or no dog!
