Ralph Deppisch Continues Weekly Newport Beach Basketball Games
The 80-year-old athlete remains a regular at the local athletic club for three-on-three pickup matches.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Basketball
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Ralph Deppisch, an 80-year-old basketball enthusiast, continues to play three-on-three games at the Newport Beach Athletic Club. The longtime regular recently celebrated his milestone birthday after nearly 25 years of consistent play at the facility.
Why it matters
The ongoing participation of long-term members highlights the role of local athletic facilities in fostering community and maintaining physical activity across age groups. Regular pickup games serve as a social and health anchor for senior athletes.
The 6-foot-3-inch Deppisch maintains an 80% shooting percentage during morning sessions at the gym. The Newport Beach Athletic Club has operated as a family-run business for 55 years.
The players
Ralph Deppisch
A 6-foot-3-inch basketball player and Manhattan College alumnus who maintains a regular schedule of pickup games at age 80.
Steve Morris
A 6-foot-7-inch player who coordinates pickup basketball games by organizing communication between participants.
Newport Beach Athletic Club
A family-run athletic facility that has served the local community for 55 years.
The details
Deppisch, a Manhattan College alumnus, regularly participates in three-on-three games alongside other local players on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Organizer Steve Morris manages the roster and coordinates game times through text messages and phone calls to ensure courts remain active.
Timeline
The ongoing three-on-three basketball game has continued for nearly 25 years.
Ralph Deppisch and Saunders began playing together in the early 2000s.
Ralph Deppisch reached the age of 80 on October 17, 2026.
The gym community celebrated the birthday with a cake on October 20, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The consistent presence of veteran players like Deppisch underscores a trend of lifelong athletic engagement within private club settings. This local dynamic echoes the competitive longevity often seen in the Senior Games age-group competition structure.
The inclusion of an 80-year-old player in competitive three-on-three rotations requires frequent roster management, often necessitating call-ups for available players on short notice. Participants rely on the organizer to maintain a consistent pool of players to ensure game availability during every Tuesday and Friday session.
The takeaway
Maintaining physical routines through consistent social engagement can support long-term athletic activity. Setting aside dedicated times for pickup sports helps build community and ensures reliable access to exercise.
Further reading
Find more local stories in our Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Times.
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