The world of pickleball never ceases to amaze, offering up transformative stories that span cultures, continents, and competitive spirits. “People of Pickleball,” the popular podcast hosted by Michael “Sleeves” Sliwa, gives listeners an insider’s peek into the lives and adventures of pickleball personalities. In the latest episode, Sleeves sits down with Daniel Gold, a player who shines bright in the National Pickleball League with the Austin Ignite.

From Wimbledon to Pickleball Glory

Daniel Gold might currently be lighting up the pickleball courts, but his journey began on the lush, iconic grass of Wimbledon. A former pro tennis player from the ’80s, Daniel didn’t just play any tennis; he had a stint as what he modestly refers to as “bad pro tennis.” However, his post-tennis career is anything but ordinary, having spent 35 years building entrepreneurial businesses across Europe and the USA.

A Life Lived Full and Fast

Daniel’s conversation with Sleeves explores more than just pickleball tactics. It delves into a life filled with ventures and adventures, highlighting his prolonged entrepreneurial career. This episode doesn’t just skim the surface but dives deep into what it means to transition completely from one competitive arena to another later in life, and what drives someone to keep pursuing new peaks.

Family, Fun Facts, and Elton John?

Aside from business and sports, Daniel Gold gives listeners a glimpse into his personal life. Married to his teenage sweetheart, Stephanie, and a father to three daughters, Daniel’s life off the court is as full and fascinating as his athletic endeavors. And if you’re in for a bit of a quirky twist, get a load of this—Elton John once dedicated the song “Daniel” to him in front of a crowd of 100,000 at the British National Stadium, a fun fact that makes for an amusing and delightful tidbit in this engaging conversation.

Pickleball and Beyond

In this episode, Daniel shares his experience with the Austin Ignite and what it’s like playing in the thriving National Pickleball League. The discussion also veers into the growing popularity of pickleball, how the sport is evolving, and why it appeals to former athletes like him. As pickleball continues to ascend in the sports world, stories like Daniel’s provide a personal touch to the broader narrative of this fast-growing sport.

An Episode Not to Miss

“People of Pickleball” is known for bringing forward stories that inspire, entertain, and inform. Michael Sleeves Sliwa, with his engaging style and insightful questions, makes sure that every episode, including this latest with Daniel Gold, is not just about pickleball but about the people who give the sport its heartbeat. Whether you’re a longtime fan, a pickleball player, or just someone who loves good storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune into the People of Pickleball Podcast to catch this fascinating episode with Daniel Gold. Discover the intersections of sports, entrepreneurship, and personal growth—all through the lens of pickleball.

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You can also watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xnodFePyS1E

For more stories and episodes, visit the People of Pickleball Podcast website or find the podcast on your favorite streaming platform. Don’t forget to subscribe for more engaging content from the ever-expanding universe of pickleball.

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

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Ray Nickson, University of Newcastle

Earlier this month, Travis Bazzana made history as the first Australian selected number one in the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft.

Bazzana will join the Cleveland Guardians after playing college baseball for Oregon State.

Following his selection, Bazzana, originally from Wahroonga, NSW, said he wanted to help “make Australia a powerhouse in baseball”.

Baseball NSW was quick to predict Bazzana’s achievement would “have a significant impact” on the popularity and growth of baseball in Australia.

Almost 100 years ago, baseball figures in Australia made similar claims, only to be undone by theft and fraud.

The crimes of a baseball official setback the growth of baseball in Australia.

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Baseball’s long history in Australia

While baseball has a long history in Australia – the first recorded game was in Melbourne in 1855 – it has always been a niche sport here.

In 1888, sporting goods businessman Albert Goodwill Spalding included Australia in his world baseball tour.

Later, the MLB teams the Chicago White Sox and New York Giants visited Australia during their 1913-1914 world tour.

While Australians were intrigued, press coverage suggested a suspicion that baseball might challenge cricket for popularity and by the 1920s, cricket had established its position as Australia’s preeminent sport.

However, Australia’s press and public was willing to accept baseball as a novelty and winter sport for training summer cricketers.

In fact, cricketers’ participation in baseball as a winter sport was instrumental to the American game’s early success in Australia.

Australia’s baseball devotees worked tirelessly to promote the sport locally in the first quarter of the 20th century. It was in these circumstances that two tours of American amateur teams were arranged.

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Stanford University made the first visit in 1928. Then in 1929, Portland’s respected Multnomah Amateur Athletic Club sent a team to Australia.

Both tours included fetes, parades, baseball tournaments and civic receptions, while local dignitaries celebrated the touring players.

Local businesses supported the tours, with motor vehicle manufacturer Studebaker offering a fleet of cars to take players on a motorcade procession through Sydney after arriving by ship.

Contemporary records show the tours generated immense interest in the sport. Participation in local baseball competitions boomed afterwards.

Australian baseball authorities made efforts to entice American coaches to Australia to develop the game locally.

Plans were made for future tours to capitalise on the growing interest in the sport.

One reason baseball failed to continue this growth was because the tours had been funded by criminal fraud.

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The crime that set baseball back

Cecil J. Asprey was honorary secretary of the Australian Baseball Council and chairman of the executive of the New South Wales Baseball Association. He was instrumental in arranging the tours by Stanford University and Multnomah Amateur Athletics Club.

He was referenced in the press following the tours, noting Australian interest in baseball, and American interest in Australian baseball, had risen significantly.

When the tours lost money, it became apparent Asprey had funded them with money stolen from clients of the solicitors he worked for.

By May 1931, after unsuccessful attempts to arrange subsequent tours, it all unravelled for Asprey. He was first charged in the Central Police Court on May 7 1931, and immediately revealed the money had been used to fund the activities of the baseball association.

Asprey’s lawyer told the court “he has not received a single penny of the funds himself – that the whole of the money was definitely paid into the account of the association”.

Eventually, Asprey was charged with 21 counts of forgery, embezzlement and larceny.

The story of his crimes and its impact on baseball in Australia was made all the worse due to the vulnerability of his victims.

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Asprey’s victims “were generally women, most of them widows”, some with limited English.

One victim, Rosina Melit, a migrant from Italy, told the court how Asprey took her money to discharge her mortgage. He never paid the mortgage off.

This was a crime Asprey committed against more than one victim. A detective-sergeant at Asprey’s trial noted he had “a happy knack of getting on the soft side of widows and a widower”.

Asprey told the court he had used everything he stole to bring over international baseball players.

“I know I have done wrong. I am willing to hand over everything I possess,” Asprey advised the court.

He was sentenced to five years’ hard labour. He left a wife and two children when he went to jail.

The tours Asprey organised generated enormous interest. While participation increased in the local leagues in the seasons that followed, that momentum was not maintained. This was in part because further tours never materialised.

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Asprey was still trying to arrange future tours up until his arrest.

Had Asprey and baseball authorities in Australia been able to fund tours legitimately, it is very likely the popularity of the sport would have continued to grow.

What may the future hold?

Baseball has always had a devoted, though relatively small, following in Australia. Despite successes, including a silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics, it has remained a minor sport.

In the 2000s and 2010s, baseball participation either increased or decreased, depending on the source.

In 2022 Baseball Australia released a national plan to increase participation at all levels.

Baseball’s governing body in Australia also hoped the country’s success in the 2023 World Baseball Classic would drive interest in the sport.

Bazzana’s pick as number one in the MLB draft will certainly contribute to interest in “the old ball game,” as it is sometimes nicknamed, in Australia.

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Whether that translates into increased participation remains to be seen.

We can only imagine how many more Bazzana’s Australia might have produced but for the crimes that derailed baseball’s growth in Australia.

Ray Nickson, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Newcastle Law School, University of Newcastle

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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Marking Milestones with the Ring of the Nasdaq Bell

It was a momentous occasion in Times Square, New York, on August 23, 2024, as Escalade, Incorporated (Nasdaq: ESCA) celebrated 51 years as a proud member of the Nasdaq stock market. This defining celebration was punctuated with the ringing of the Nasdaq MarketSite Closing Bell by none other than Walter P. Glazer, Jr., President & CEO of Escalade. Flanked by the company’s board of directors, senior leadership team, business partners, and their spouses, this ceremony was not just a commemoration of past achievements but a bold statement of future aspirations.

A Legacy of Longevity and Leadership

Escalade’s journey on the Nasdaq is a narrative marked by resilience and progression. Having navigated through economic downturns, global conflicts, and societal shifts, Escalade stands as a testament to sustained corporate excellence and innovation. With a legacy commencing in 1922, and a Nasdaq presence since 1973, the company’s adaptability and strength have put it in the top 1% of current Nasdaq-listed companies for longevity.

During the event, Mr. Glazer highlighted the unique qualities that have empowered Escalade to thrive through a century filled with challenges. “The word that encapsulates our journey is ‘Grit.’ This fierce determination and resilience are what brought us here today and will push us into the future,” he said. This ethos of grit and a shared vision has seen the company prosper through countless adversities, always emerging stronger.

A Forward-Thinking Workforce

Today, Escalade remains a beacon of industry excellence with 446 dedicated employees across the USA and China, each contributing to the firm’s objectives and embodying its foundational values. “Our gratitude goes out to every Escalade employee, their supporting families, our diligent board of directors, our faithful shareholders, and our loyal customers who trust us to deliver exceptional products that enhance their lives,” said Mr. Glazer, acknowledging the broad community that has shaped the company’s success.

Innovation as a Stepping Stone

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As the name implies, “to escalate” means to ascend or climb, and so aligns with Escalade’s continuous strive for excellence. The firm’s investment in innovation and quality has established it as a leader in sporting goods, fitness, and indoor/outdoor recreation equipment. Renowned brands under the Escalade umbrella, such as Brunswick Billiards®, STIGA® table tennis, and Bear® Archery, symbolize both a rich history and a dynamic approach to market demands.

Looking to the Future with Optimism and Drive

“50 years on the Nasdaq is commendable, but we are already looking towards the next 50 years,” concluded Mr. Glazer, signaling Escalade’s onward journey filled with zeal and optimism.

As we reflect on this celebratory event, the ringing of the Nasdaq bell resonates not just as a sound marking the end of a trading day but as a clarion call to all in the industry that Escalade continues its steady ascent, fueled by an unrelenting spirit and a commitment to excellence. Here’s to more innovation, more growth, and continued success.

About Escalade Incorporated

Headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, Escalade continues to innovate and lead in the production and sale of a wide range of sports and recreational equipment. With a mission to unite family and friends through the joy of outdoor and indoor activities, Escalade’s influence stretches across the national and global landscape. Learn more about their story, products, and corporate ethos at www.escaladeinc.com.

Watch the Escalade Nasdaq Closing Bell Ceremony and experience a moment in corporate history: Watch Here.

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Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

Sign up for the SPR Newsletter and get news and episode release info right into your inbox: https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/sleeves-spr-newsletter-sign-up/