HOW PICKLEBALL
SAVED MY LIFE
BY BILL CLEVLEN
A
s a professional broadcaster, most of
my life has been spent somewhere in
the spotlight. I started doing appearances
on the radio when I was 13. I’ve always
been on stage hosting shows or events in
my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. This
year will mark my 18th year on the air —
all of it, thankfully, with large audiences.
The last three years I’ve spent producing
a travel website and a syndicated radio
program called “Bill On The Road.”
Being able to work a crowd or say that
witty line at just right the moment didn’t
always equate to having a happy, full life.
Discovering the game of pickleball and,
more important, feeling part of a special
community of people who love the sport
the same way I do saved me.
Being an “old soul” growing up, it was
always hard to fit in with people my own
age. At 36, I don’t have any kids — so
as an adult, I can’t relate to most of my
friends who have young ones. I never
had any real hobbies or talents where I’d
socialize with like-minded people. My
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