The Penn Story
Penn begins manufacturing tennis balls in Jeanette, Pennsylvania.
Penn makes the first pressurized ball cans.
Penn invents a more durable felt cover by weaving New Zealand wool and man-made fibers.
Penn makes the first fluorescent yellow tennis ball.
Penn's "play-rated" balls debut - unique tennis balls for different court surfaces and high-altitude areas.
Revolutionary Penn Ultra Blue Racquetballs launched. Becomes the industry standard and world’s #1 Selling Ball
Penn develops a plastic pull-ring can. Penn develops Optic Orange tennis felt. Penn develops the first ball for high altitude areas.
Pro Penn becomes the official ball of the USPTA, and is sold exclusively by USPTA-certified professionals.
Penn Ultra Blue Racquetball becomes Official Ball of AARA (now USA Racquetball).
Penn becomes the official ball of IRT. New premium Pro Penn racquetball introduced.
Penn develops a stain and moisture resistant felt.
Penn designs the first Titanium tennis ball and pressureless tennis ball for training.
Penn Racquet Sports is acquired by HEAD creating a strong tennis partnership by combining two leading companies in the racquet sports industry.
Responding to ITF requests, Penn introduces the first larger ball of the century, the Penn OS.
Penn again revolutionizes the sport with the introduction of Pro Penn HD Racquetballs.
Penn becomes the Official Ball of the Tennis Masters Series and introduces the Penn Tennis Masters Series ball with SMART OPTIK felt for increased visibility.
Penn introduces the Penn Championship Pink ball and donates 15 cents for every can sold to support breast cancer research and to find a cure.
Penn enhances Penn ATP ball with SMART OPTIK felt for increased visibility.
Penn introduces new Encore technology in its Pro Penn tennis balls. Encore technology limits ball softening for increased durability and helps balls "play like new" longer.
Penn enhances Pro Penn ball to Pro Penn+ with new LongPlay Felt which keeps the ball looking cleaner longer.
Penn Turns 100 Years Old and continues to be America's #1 Selling Ball.
Penn introduces QST 36, QST 60 and Control + tennis balls to help promote the USTA 10 and Under Tennis initiatives for kids. These lower pressurized balls allow for longer rallies, making tennis more fun!
Pro Penn Marathon is introduced as Penn’s longest lasting tennis ball featuring Encore Technology for a 22% longer lasting core (vs Pro Penn+) and high tenacity LongPlay felt for extended play.
Penn re-launches all racquetball products with improved rubber compounds and manufacturing processes which deliver lighter, crisper, ultra consistent and durable racquetballs.