Daphne, Ala. (August 28, 2026) — Baldwin Bone & Joint is proud to partner with WKRG for this year’s official WKRG Gulf Coast Paddle & Racket Battle, brought to you by Baldwin Bone & Joint, coming Nov. 7 to Lott Park in Daphne. The event will feature a pickleball-only tournament with 60 teams and 120 players. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will benefit Rapahope Children’s Retreat Foundation.
“This event is not only a fun way to engage in some friendly competition but also an opportunity to come together as a community for a greater purpose. Last year’s tournament fundraiser was a huge success, and we’re excited to partner with WKRG this year to build on that momentum,” said Will Wiggins, Baldwin Bone & Joint CEO. “We challenge all businesses and medical practices in the area to register your best players and support a great cause! See you on the courts!” – (photo: Will Wiggins, CEO, Baldwin Bone & Joint, PC)
As the region sees a surge in paddle and racket sports, Baldwin Bone & Joint’s fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopaedic specialist, Dr. William Park, reminds athletes of all levels to take steps to protect themselves.
Sports like tennis and pickleball are fantastic for staying active, but they can also place a lot of stress on the foot and ankle,” Park said. “Common injuries we see include ankle sprains, Achilles tendon issues, and plantar fasciitis. The best prevention is proper warm-up, supportive footwear, and listening to your body if pain begins. Staying proactive helps keep players healthy and in the game.” – (photo: William I. Park, IV, MD)
Park added that events like the Gulf Coast Paddle & Racket Battle are a great way to highlight both the fun and fitness benefits of these sports. “It is exciting to see so many people in our community discover tennis and pickleball. Not only do they bring people together, but they also encourage a more active lifestyle—which we fully support at Baldwin Bone & Joint. We are proud to help sponsor this tournament and remind players that protecting their foot and ankle health is an important part of enjoying the competition.”
Competitions will include men’s and women’s doubles in pickleball, with age divisions for 19+ and 55+ players. Tennis will not be offered this year.
Registration information
Entry fees are $48 per player for pickleball. Admission to the event is free. Groovy Goat will provide a boxed lunch for all registered players. Volunteers will have the option to purchase a boxed lunch as well. The Groovy Goat and smoothie shop tent will provide refreshments for a fee.
Registration links:
Divisions
Players will be divided up among divisions based on skill level: Beginner/Social (1.0-2.5), Intermediate (3.0-3.5) and Advanced (4.0-4.5).
From there, pickleball players will be put into the following divisions:
- 3 divisions for men’s doubles age 19+
- 3 divisions men’s doubles age 55+
- 3 divisions women’s doubles age 19+
- 3 divisions women’s doubles age 55+
FAQ:
- Is this a sanctioned tournament? Yes, USA Pickleball sanctioned ratings tournament that’s UTR Sports verified.
- What is the tournament format? Competitions will include men’s and women’s doubles in pickleball, with age divisions of 19+ and 55+.
- What is the minimum age to register and play in the tournament? Nineteen years old.
- What is the weather reschedule date? Nov. 8, 2026
- How many regulation courts? Twelve outdoor pickleball courts.
- Is player registration payment refundable? No, the registration payment is a donation benefiting Camp Rapahope and is non-refundable.
- Restrooms on site? Yes.
- Food and beverages on site? Yes. Groovy Goat will provide boxed lunches for registered players, volunteers may purchase boxed lunches, and a smoothie shop will be on site selling smoothies.
For more information, visit WKRG.com.
ABOUT BALDWIN BONE & JOINT, P.C.
Since 1989, Baldwin Bone & Joint has provided expert care to patients of all ages, with all conditions. As fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons and experienced clinicians, they are recognized leaders in the field of orthopaedics, providing the most current treatment available. With 23 licensed medical providers on staff, Baldwin Bone & Joint is the largest privately-owned orthopaedic specialty practice in Baldwin County. Office locations include Daphne, Spanish Fort, Fairhope, Bay Minette, Foley, and Atmore. Specialized clinics available are The Spine Institute at Baldwin Bone & Joint, The Center for Sports Medicine, The Shoulder Center at Baldwin Bone & Joint and The Osteo Health Clinic. To learn more, visit baldwinboneandjoint.com or call (251) 625-2663.
ABOUT RAPAHOPE CHILDREN’S RETREAT FOUNDATION
Based in Mobile, AL, Rapahope Children’s Retreat Foundation has been bringing joy to children diagnosed with cancer and their families since 1985. We are a non-profit organization that offers free, year-round programming, including our flagship summer camp, as well as weekend and day-long opportunities for families and siblings to have fun together. Camp Rapahope’s mission is to help campers have life-changing camp experiences filled with as many amazing moments as possible. Camp Rapahope is a member of Children’s Oncology Camping Association International (COCA-I). For more information, visit rapahope.org.