On April 19th, 2023, the inaugural Pickleball Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place in Seattle, Washington, the birthplace of pickleball. The event celebrated the rich history and growth of the sport by honoring five pioneering individuals who made significant contributions to the development and popularity of pickleball.
The inductees included Joel Pritchard, one of the three founders of pickleball, who, along with Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, invented the game in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Pritchard's family was present to accept the honor on his behalf, as he had passed away in 1997.
Other inductees were Sid Williams, known as the "Ambassador of Pickleball," who tirelessly promoted the sport and helped establish the first official pickleball tournament in 1976; Jennifer Lucore, a 12-time national champion and one of the most dominant players in the history of the sport; David Jordan, the founder of Pickleball Inc., the first company to manufacture and sell pickleball equipment; and Ruth Rosenquist, who, at 93 years old, was recognized for her decades of dedication to teaching and spreading the love of pickleball.
The event featured emotional speeches, vintage photographs, and even a showcase of early pickleball equipment, including the original wooden paddles used by the founders. Attendees included pickleball enthusiasts, top players, and industry leaders from around the world, all gathered to celebrate the history and growth of this beloved sport.
The Pickleball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 19th, 2023, marked a significant milestone in the sport's history, acknowledging the trailblazers who helped shape pickleball into the fastest-growing sport in the United States and an increasingly popular pastime worldwide.