J.D. Martinez eyes pickleball career after baseball, signs exclusive deal with JOOLA
J.D. Martinez has certainly made a name for himself on the baseball field.
With a World Series Championship, six MLB All-Star selections, and three Silver Slugger Awards on his resume, the 37-year-old can definitely be proud of his accomplishments to date.
Even though he isn't hanging up his cleats just yet, Martinez is already preparing for life after baseball with hopes of pursuing a professional pickleball career.
In order to achieve that objective, the Miami native signed an exclusive deal with JOOLA.
“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,” said Martinez, in a Feb. 3 press release issued by the renowned equipment manufacturer.
As part of the partnership, JOOLA will provide Martinez with "comprehensive support, including coaching and equipment," and he has started training with JOOLA pro Eric White.
Martinez will also receive backing from JOOLA to compete in professional events like the PPA Challenger Series and to host his own pickleball tournaments.
“What I love is how people of all ages can play and compete on an equal level—it's all about skill,” noted Martinez. “Every time I step onto the court to play, I feel like I uncover another layer of the game, and it keeps drawing me in. The competition aspect is what keeps me hooked!”
According to White, Martinez is trending in the right direction on the 20x44.
“In our short time working together I can already see he loves the game of pickleball and is willing to learn better pickleball habits,” he praised. “Because of that enthusiasm and willingness to change, he truly has no ceiling.”
Martinez played for the New York Mets during the 2024 campaign.
He is currently a free agent.
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