I always look forward to the day the latest issue of Expand Magazine hits the stands. I know there’s a great digital presence, but holding a physical copy in my hands and reading about what contributors feel so passionate about in their lives is enriching to the soul. As I pen this essay, I am at a jam-packed breakfast diner, where a few are engaged in conversation, and many more are focused on their cell phones. I can’t tell if it’s their social media accounts or Candy Crush. Not me. I have newspapers and magazines!
As I look through this treasure trove of printed bliss, there is a concerning lack of love letters AND any reference to the number one growing sport in America… Pickleball! Ok, that stat came from a promo commercial on the Pickleball Channel. Yes. That’s a thing. When it’s 3 a.m., and my sleep pattern is interrupted, you will hear the thwack of the pickleball paddle hitting a plastic sphere in surround sound from my TV, which I purchased to watch my Huskers win a national championship in football. I’ve jettisoned reruns of Big Bang Theory and Friends for this crazy sport. Do the Huskers have a Pickleball team? Maybe that’s the championship they could win.
Hey, I get it. For many years, I mocked the activity. I may have said it’s for people who aren’t athletic enough to play tennis or racquetball. And maybe I said it was for individuals with such bad musical taste; the constant jarring noise doesn’t bother them.
What I learned over the past few years is that you will meet some of the nicest people playing the sport. I have joined two city leagues and had the best time meeting new people and still fueling my way-too-competitive spirit. My team’s name is Perspire and Inspire. At my level, there are no referees. If there’s a close call, you may agree on a do-over—something I’d like to do with some of my past articles here or life choices. Invest in Apple? Nah, I’m good. I’m thinking Blockbuster would be a great addition to my portfolio.
I began this journey during the doldrums of the summer of Covid–2020. Man, that song wasn’t as fun as that Bryan Adams hit. I picked up frisbee golf and loved the joy of not investing much money aside from the missing disc in the weeks. If you find my red one at Hillview Park in 2020, I put my phone number on it, and I’m awaiting a call any day now.
With the past 30 months of thwacking away, I have yet to lose a single paddle or ball. I did go from a $20 paddle to a $50 paddle. If I didn’t spend so much on VCR tapes back in the day, I would be sporting a paddle that cost so much I’m afraid to put it in print in case my lovely wife comes across this article in a waiting room somewhere. The experts on the Pickleball channel can really spin it with the Selkirk LABS Elongated Boomstick!
I had no idea how much fun I would have with this newfound hobby!
Back in my 20’s, I used to take charge on the basketball court in fierce pick-up basketball games at the local gym. Now, it’s pick-up pickleball games for me. I try way too hard. I look silly. However, I’m not as likely to chip a molar.
That wisdom only comes after trying an activity after mocking it.
Buy stock in pickleball.
Meet a friendly random person.
Put down the Candy Crush…for an overhand smash. It’s more fun than you would think…once you finish mocking it.
By Tony Michaels, often found at a pickleball court near you. After printing this essay, he will be saving up for a new paddle and maybe lessons as well.
