By Matthew Schwartz
May 8, 2025
Barney Agate once weighed 461 pounds. Ask him what he thinks would have happened if he hadn’t lost weight, and he says, “I’d be dead on or about my 50th birthday.”
The 70-year-old Tamarac, Florida, resident says, “I was mostly sedentary for many years, stopped smoking cigarettes after 10 years, then gained a large amount of weight.
Agate says when he was obese, “It became a challenge while doing most tasks. Clothing was a challenge, because I travelled on business up and down the east coast and was diagnosed with diabetes.
“I suffered with diabetic ulcers and wounds, and was only able to travel with difficulty. Think of flying with a leg cast, a lot.”
In April 2003, Agate had bariatric lap-band surgery, a weight-loss procedure that restricts the amount of food a person can eat. “I lost 200 pounds over the next 20 years,” Agate says. “Travel was a lot easier.”
He started playing pickleball in 2023 after a friend at his 55 and over community suggested he try it. He lost more weight since then and today weighs 183 pounds.
“Without the additional loss from pickleball, it’s hard to guess [what my condition would be], but I’d surmise a physical breakdown owing to lack of that activity, plus that it’s inspired me to eat healthier, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, sensible amounts of protein, mostly eliminated sugar and carbs, and drink close to 64 ounces of water daily. I’ve come late to the ‘diet’ party, but I’m trying hard.”
The Brooklyn, New York, native played varsity tennis in high school and while attending Sullivan County Community College in upstate New York he says, “I played table tennis like a fiend.”
Agate majored in business administration and spent most of his working life in banking, specifically trust/wealth management, retiring at 60. He has leadership skills that have continued in retirement. He’s the president of his condominium association and a pickleball paddle ambassador in his South Florida community, earning the nickname, “Pickleball Barney.” He started a Facebook group called “Pickleball Barney & Friends!” He enjoys giving paddle advice, especially to beginners, and feels good when he helps a player find a paddle he or she likes. I have read many of his comments to those seeking paddle advice and his answers are always well thought out, never a “one size fits all” response. He knows there isn’t a best paddle for everyone, but maybe one best paddle for you.
When asked if his passion for pickleball was immediate, this New Yorker who never minces words answers, “”Abso- - - - - - -lutely. Changed my life yet again.”
Agate plays pickleball twice a day, seven days a week and says he’s a 3.5 level player. “Remember, I’m 70,” he says, “and it is senior pickleball. I’m not a banger or a gazelle. But I am tall (6’0”) and have some reach. And boy, do I love dinking.
“I’m able to have fun all the time [playing pickleball]. And I mean every time. At first, it came easier for me than others, because of past success with tennis, table tennis and paddleball.
“I’ve literally met hundreds of these great people who are always sharing, chatting, helping each other improve, talk about equipment, where to play and who is running a pickle party.” Agate has played pickleball on six cruise ships.
“I’ve lost eighty pounds in the last two years playing pickleball,” Agate says. “The community is fantastic, supporting folks to lose a few or more. It can be a huge step to physical fun and getting in shape. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and nirvana comes to those who are patient, and you will find many, many, many, people who will encourage you always.”
“Pickleball Barney” says he hopes that 10 years from now, he will still be playing often. He wants to travel to play in a broader range of facilities.
“And yes,” he says, “I will still be seeking that 4.0.!”
It would be wise not to doubt someone who has lost 278 pounds.
Thoughts of the week, not all pickleball
· I rarely watch NHL games during the regular season but love watching any two teams in a close playoff game late in regulation or overtime.
· It’s going to be a rough summer for St. Louis Blues fans and their goalie, Jordan Binnington. The Blues blew a 3-1 lead with two minutes left in Game 7. Winnipeg scored the game-tying goal with three seconds left before winning in the second overtime. Three seconds! Incredible comeback by the Jets.
· After trying at least eight brands of pickleball shoes and going back and forth a couple times on which is best for me, my final answer (for now) is a tie between the FitVille Amadeus V2 and Skechers Viper Court Smash. I’ve been alternating those two. They may not be the best for your feet. For a guy who wears a 14 extra wide, they are the most comfortable I have worn. New Balance has many options for wide feet but NB’s feel heavy to me. Shoes from every other brand I tried were not wide enough, even if they call them wide (I’m looking at you, Asics). By the way I have no affiliation with any shoe company.
· Driving 2000 miles wasn’t exactly fun, but it really wasn’t bad. Sharing the driving with two others helped. And without SiriusXM it would have been a lot worse. Barely changed the channel from the 60’s/70’s station.
· I think it is foolish to play pickleball without protective glasses.
Hudef gives away a new paddle to the first person who emails the correct answer to one question at the end of my first blog of every month. This month’s winner will receive the Kevlar/carbon fiber Hudef Viva Pro Gen3 paddle, which retails for $169.99.
The question: What is the full retail price of the most expensive paddles that Hudef sells?
Email your answer to sales2@hudefsport.com. The winner will be contacted by email.
Remember, if you buy any Hudef paddle that costs $169.99, use my discount code MS30 to knock down the price by 30%, to $119.99. Any less expensive paddle, the code is MS15, giving you 15% off.
