MLB's Secret Addiction: Pickleball Fever Grips Baseball Stars

What's the Score?

Pickleball has become a popular off-field activity within Major League Baseball (MLB) circles, gaining enthusiastic support from front office members, coaches, umpires, and some players across various franchises. The fast-growing sport is reportedly replacing activities like basketball and even golf as the preferred way for baseball professionals to exercise and engage their competitive spirit during their off-days.

Hit it deeper!

The growing enthusiasm for pickleball within MLB is highlighted in a feature by ESPN.com, which details the genuine appreciation for the sport among teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies. The article notes that pickleball games have become a regular occurrence throughout baseball, with courts increasingly available in different cities, providing convenient exercise opportunities for those working in the sport.

The integration of pickleball into team cultures varies, with some organisations hosting internal tournaments and fostering rivalries. For instance, a recent Spring Training pickleball match between members of the Los Angeles Dodgers organisation drew a significant crowd. The article also describes how pickleball played a role in the Texas Rangers' successful 2023 World Series championship run. This widespread adoption of pickleball within the MLB community underscores the sport's broad appeal and its ability to transcend traditional athletic boundaries.

The World Pickleball Verdict

The increasing popularity of pickleball within Major League Baseball highlights the sport's pervasive appeal and its ability to attract athletes and professionals from diverse sporting backgrounds. The adoption of pickleball as a preferred off-day activity within MLB underscores its accessibility, fitness benefits, and engaging competitive nature. This trend further solidifies pickleball's position as a mainstream sport with a broad reach, extending beyond traditional pickleball communities into other established professional sports leagues. The enthusiasm within MLB is yet another indicator of pickleball's rapid growth and its increasing cultural relevance.