Former MLB Slugger J.D. Martinez Announces Move to Pro Pickleball Circuit
Former MLB Star J.D. Martinez Announces Move to Pro Pickleball Circuit
Former MLB slugger J.D. Martinez, known for his powerful hitting and impressive career stats, has announced a surprising career move. The 37-year-old, who played the 2024 season with the New York Mets, plans to transition into the world of professional pickleball.
Martinez, who has hit 331 home runs in his 14-year MLB career with six different teams, will continue playing baseball for at least another season before making the switch to pickleball. The announcement was made in a press release issued by JOOLA, a German pickleball equipment maker.
The former All-Star and World Series winner will be guided by pro pickleballer Eric White, a bronze medalist in the sport’s U.S. Open. Martinez, who picked up pickleball as an offseason hobby, expressed his excitement about the new venture, stating, “I see pickleball as a sport I’ll be involved in for the long run, and JOOLA’s commitment to the sport and my personal growth in the game makes this partnership even more special.”
Martinez’s decision to move into pickleball comes as no surprise, as many retired athletes seek new outlets for their competitive drive after leaving their respective sports. From golf to bowling, former MLB players have found success in various other sports post-retirement.
With his impressive track record in baseball, Martinez is sure to bring his competitive spirit and skill to the pickleball court, making waves in the growing sport. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the former MLB star fares in his new athletic endeavor.
