The Legacy of Games on the Northside of St. Louis: A Reflection on Sports and Society

In the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, a new sports complex has taken the city by storm. Padel + Pickle, the largest indoor pickleball and padel complex in the world, has captured the attention of locals and sports enthusiasts alike. With 14 state-of-the-art indoor courts, a bar, and a pro shop, this facility is truly world-class.

But for those who grew up in the neighborhoods of North St. Louis, the grandeur of Padel + Pickle brings back memories of a simpler time. A time when games were played on makeshift courts, with equipment cobbled together from scraps and imagination. The competition was fierce, the stakes were high, and the life lessons learned on those humble playing fields were invaluable.

Games, whether on the grand stage of a world-class sports complex or in the back alleys of North St. Louis, are more than just a pastime. They are a reflection of society, a microcosm of life itself. As anthropologists and social scientists have noted, games are a way for us to test our strength, will, and limits. They teach us about competition, teamwork, and resilience, shaping our outlook on life in profound ways.

In the alleyways of North St. Louis, games like corkball were a beloved tradition. A variation of stickball, corkball required little more than a makeshift bat and ball, yet provided hours of entertainment and camaraderie. The rules were simple, the equipment basic, but the joy of playing with friends and neighbors was immeasurable.

Despite the challenges of segregation and discrimination, the residents of North St. Louis found ways to come together through sports. Tennis legend Arthur Ashe, mentored by local coach Richard Hudlin, honed his skills on the courts of St. Louis before going on to achieve greatness on the world stage. Hudlin’s legacy lives on in the achievements of Ashe and other Black tennis champions, yet his contributions remain largely unrecognized in his hometown.

As we celebrate the opening of Padel + Pickle, let us also remember the humble beginnings of sports in North St. Louis. The alleyways and makeshift courts may be gone, but the lessons learned and the memories made will always endure. In a city rich with sporting history, it is important to honor the past while embracing the future of sports in St. Louis.