Racketman was founded by John Hatridge in the spring of 1972. John started his business asking all the local pro?s if they needed any rackets to be strung. He opened Racketman retail store on Olive blvd in Creve Coeur in October 1972.
Fifteen-year-old Jerry Diekroeger Jr started stringing rackets for John shortly after he opened. In 1976 John wanted to sell his store and move on. Influenced by Jerry?s strong desire to be in the tennis business the Diekroeger family, Jerry Sr., Carol, Jerry, Julie, and Jim became the heart and soul of Racketman. They have been servicing and supporting all racket sports at all levels in the St. Louis community for 49 years. We are looking forward to our 50th year anniversary in 2022.