The most famous (infamous?) picklers in NYC
Love At First Dink Interview #2: Angel Ramirez and Max Balka
It was the shot heard around the world (or at least through the many NYC-based TeamReach pickleball groups): The New York Post recently published a feature called: Parents furious as pickleball players overtake playgrounds: ‘They’re the lantern flies of the sports world’
Some players were horrified to be referred to as a lantern fly (if you’re not familiar, lantern flies are an invasive species that messaging has been “If You See One You Should Kill It Immediately“), while others embraced the designation, even making a logo with the bug. Personally, I prefer the visual of being a lantern fly than a cockroach, rat, or pigeon - all very common pests in NYC
Two men leapt to fame - or what some may consider infamy - from the article:
Angel Ramirez: standing proudly with his paddle, defending the right of our group to play on the two designated park courts.
Max Balka: Doing his best impersonation of an edgy pickler in his metallic sunglasses and tank top, being told by the Park cops that if he doesn’t pack up his net, he will be cuffed. You can watch the drama unfold via the Instagram highlights of @Corporayshid, here
I spoke with Angel and Max about their brush with fame and how they got involved in the pickleball scene.
Lydia: Thank you both for taking the time to speak with me today! How do you feel, seeing yourself in the news in this way?
Angel: My family is getting a kick out of it, they keep on telling me I’m famous!
Max: It’s absolutely crazy to me. I only started playing pickleball a few months ago and had no idea it would become such a significant part of my life, or that I would have this role in the local movement. I’ve received direct messages from people across the country saying I have their support, and they want to see us in NYC succeed in playing this beautiful game
Lydia: Let’s talk about what pickleball means to each of you, and why you play in the West Village. I am a leader of the group, and see such comraderie & friendship. What is your experience with the game and location?
Max: NYC notoriously has a “dog eat dog” stereotype, and from my experience playing pickleball locally, people are extremely friendly and welcoming. I’ve met so many people through playing in the West Village, and have played with people as young as 11 years old and also people pushing 80. It’s not too often in my daily life that I’m with such a multigenerational group of people from a variety of backgrounds. Our West Village pickleball group is a little oasis in this city.
Angel: I live in Brooklyn, and these courts are near my gym, and have connected with people who started as total strangers. It’s such a great group of people and really friendly, and an easy game to learn.
Lydia: What do you hope for the future of pickleball in NYC?
Angel: We really need more designated courts meant for pickleball players. There is the interest and the demand.
Max: I really want pickleball to co-exist with the local communities. I’ve only lived in NYC for about a year, and have met such great people in the months I’ve been playing, and hope pickleball remains accessible to all. I don’t want to be seen as the lantern fly or pest of the city and don’t want posts to be published in the media calling for a shut-down of the sport: I want us all to share the limited open spaces we have available.
Editor’s Note: You too can get involved in keeping the existing pickleball courts in the West Village, and help show the Parks Department that we picklers support co-existing with the community. Please join the next Community Board Meeting on Monday, October 17th, via Zoom. Register here.
Lydia: Who would you choose to play pickleball with and get pickled after?!
Max: I gotta say you, Lydia Hirt, and to play with us, my mind first went to Drake. I would love to see him play - he’s both a hard rapper and has a private school side. And Federer - I feel like I could beat him his first game, and then never beat him again.
Angel: Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford, Maureen O’Hara
What do you think about all the pickleball drama in the city? Do you have any tips on how to co-exist with the local community? Comment below!