Dear Friends,
If you’re a squash player, you know that some of the strongest friendships are the ones we build on court. A squash friend surprises, challenges, exhausts, and exhilarates you. And most importantly, they make you better. For so many of us, Michael Sestrich is one of those friends.
Whether you know Mikey or not, a quick look at his squash resume — from the high school kid on the men’s team at the Concord Acton Squash Club and the student captain of the club team at the University of Maryland to a fixture in countless leagues, tournaments, and rowdy round robins at the University Club in Washington, D.C. — reveals a talented player, a fierce competitor, and a magnetic personality. In other words, he’s one of those players with whom you feel lucky just to share the court.
Three months ago, at 26 and in peak condition, Michael was diagnosed with stage 4 gastric cancer. The diagnosis and subsequent treatment have been a devastating blow to him; his wife, Clara; his family; and all those who know and love him. With the help of some of the D.C. area’s best doctors, Mike is fighting back with the trademark strength and determination that he brings to every point. Now, some of his friends in the squash community are hoping to fight alongside him.
To that end, we’ve teamed up with Harrow Sports to create the “Team Mikey” squash racquet. Adorned with the Maryland flag, University of Maryland and University Club squash logos, Michael’s birth year and initials, and of course, “Team Mikey,” this racquet (available in both a singles “Vapor” and hardball doubles “M140” model) is designed to keep Mike “on court” around the country and the world, even as he’s forced to take the season off. (For a closer look at the design and racquet specs, see the attached PDFs.)
Harrow has generously agreed to a price of $130 per racquet — a discount of roughly 40% for both models. And in solidarity with Mike during his biggest battle yet, and at Mike’s request, Harrow has also agreed to donate $50 of every racquet purchased to SquashBusters, a squash-based after-school program for young people in Mike’s native Massachusetts. That’s a big favor from one of the best names in squash apparel. And we’re hoping to return it by ordering at least 40 of each model.
This is a great racquet at a great price for an absolutely tremendous cause. If you or anyone you know would like to reserve a “Team Mikey” racquet, please email TeamMikeySquash@gmail.com. Kindly specify which model(s) and in what quantity you would like, along with your full name, mailing address, and phone number. Once your order has been placed, you will be contacted shortly with shipment and payment details.
Above the Tin,
Team Mikey
P.S. Special thanks to Dave Rosen, VP of Racquet Sports at Harrow, and Gregory Funk, a Brooklyn-based artist and lifelong hitter, without whom this project would not be possible.