Pickleball Takes Center Stage at MLB Spring Training: A New Competitive Craze Among Teams
Pickleball Takes Center Stage at Dodgers Spring Training
Camelback Ranch, AZ — As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for another season, the buzz around their star-studded roster has been overshadowed by an unexpected contender: pickleball. This fast-growing sport has become the talk of the team’s spring training camp, with manager Dave Roberts leading the charge for a fierce showdown between assistant general manager Jeff Kingston and Triple-A manager Scott Hennessey.
“It’s the most talked-about topic in my seven years with the Dodgers,” said pitching coach Mark Prior, highlighting the sport’s rise among players and staff alike.
While basketball and golf have traditionally been the go-to activities during off days, pickleball has surged in popularity, with courts popping up across the country. Teams are even constructing courts at their spring training facilities, allowing players and staff to engage in spirited matches before the regular season kicks off.
The Kingston-Hennessey clash drew an impressive crowd, with around 80 to 100 Dodgers personnel making the trek to Chicken N Pickle, a local eatery known for its courts. Among the spectators were notable players like Mookie Betts and Blake Snell, all eager to witness the showdown.
“Hennessey is a self-proclaimed great pickleball player,” Roberts remarked. “When someone is that confident, I want to see it play out in competition.”
The stakes were high, with Roberts betting on Hennessey, while president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman backed Kingston. The match was set to 11 points, with Hennessey spotting Kingston five points to level the playing field.
In a surprising twist, Kingston emerged victorious, sending the crowd into a frenzy. “The whole place is going crazy,” Kingston recalled, laughing at Hennessey’s stunned silence. Roberts, who had hyped the match for weeks, couldn’t believe the outcome. “Henny came in the next day and ate crow,” he said.
Pickleball: A Competitive Edge
For the Texas Rangers, pickleball has become more than just a pastime; it was a key component of their successful 2023 season, culminating in the organization’s first World Series title. Team physical therapist Regan Wong noted the camaraderie and competitive spirit the sport fosters, even playing outdoors in chilly Chicago temperatures.
“Day 1 or 2 of a series, we’ll find a court to play on,” Wong explained. “It’s a great way to stay active and build teamwork.”
As the Rangers navigated their postseason run, pickleball became a non-negotiable part of their schedule. Wong recounted a moment when a starting pitcher attributed their winning streak to playing pickleball on the road, leading the team to prioritize it during crucial series.
The Rise of Pickleball Culture in MLB
The trend isn’t limited to the Dodgers and Rangers. Teams like the Milwaukee Brewers have embraced pickleball culture, even appointing a VP of Pickleball Operations. General manager Matt Arnold shared that they’ve built courts and brought in professionals for lessons, creating a competitive environment that includes power rankings among staff.
Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox have taken a tournament-style approach, organizing March Madness-style competitions during road trips. Manager Alex Cora, although retired from competition due to injury, acknowledges the sport’s fun factor.
Even umpires are getting in on the action, with Vic Carapazza noting that playing pickleball feels less like exercise and more like fun, making it a popular choice during road trips.
A Growing Obsession
While not all players have jumped on the pickleball bandwagon, the sport’s popularity continues to grow within MLB. J.D. Martinez, a designated hitter for the New York Mets, has even signed with an equipment company, hinting at a potential future in pickleball.
As the Dodgers and other teams continue to embrace this spirited sport, it’s clear that pickleball has carved out a unique niche in the world of baseball, blending competition, camaraderie, and a bit of friendly trash talk. Whether on the court or the diamond, the spirit of competition remains alive and well in Major League Baseball.
