NEWS

The APTA has learned that the 2004 Hall of Famer Walt Peckinpaugh died last week along with his wife, Marilyn, in a vehicle-pedestrian accident in Islamorada, Florida.

Walt Peckinpaugh made a significant impact on the growth of platform tennis, particularly in the mid-western area. His true legacy was organizational leadership, vision, promotional abilities, technical competence, and expertise in chairing local and major tournaments—including two Nationals in Cleveland. 

Walt served on the APTA Board of Directors for 12 years in the 1980s and 1990s. As President of Region IV, Walt worked with the APTA Board to reorganize the regions and start more national ranking events outside of the East Coast. When asked where he would suggest holding them, he replied, “Little towns like Chicago, Detroit, and Cincinnati.”

Walt was an innovative problem-solver–he created a crafty way to raise funds for the APTA through a ball manufacturer and set up the national APTA database to track memberships and fees. After his HOF induction in 2004, Walt continued to serve his sport by being an active member of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. 

The APTA sends our warmest condolences to the Peckinpaugh family and friends.

Walter Peckinpaugh Hall of Fame page

Walter Peckinpaugh Obituary