Player Profile of the Month

Community is at the heart of CityPickle. Some of our players have been CityPickle loyalists since the beginning. Our new Player Profile introduces our community on a more personal level. Keep an eye out for them on the court and always say hi.

Our very first feature is Bart Migal, a Long Island City Member who has been part of the CityPickle family since January 2024, became a member in May 2025, and never misses a Breakfast Club ;)

What NYC neighborhood do you live in?

Astoria

How long have you lived in NYC?

27 years

Occupation?

Music Producer

Hometown?

Born in Warsaw, Poland. I would say NYC is my hometown at this point.

What keeps you hooked on the sport?

The learning curve is just right for it to feel addictive, and it's the only sport my knees can handle :)

What’s your on-court persona in 3 words?

I've recently been dubbed "Bart the Dart"! There's some clever folks at the Breakfast Club.

Walk on song before a match?

"The Distance" by CAKE

Your go to pickleball fit?

I'm the guy with the knee sleeves.

What’s your favorite part about CityPickle?

All the staff are always so welcoming, friendly and kind.

Who’s your favorite person to play with and why?

My wife Amanda of course! I feel like I can impress her, and I love it when she hits great shots.

What about pickleball inspires you?

I'm inspired by the community of wonderful people of all ages and walks of life - helping each other out, and going above and beyond to celebrate each other - on and off the court.

Favorite way to spend a Saturday night in NYC?

I moved to NYC in part so that I can see great jazz shows. I don't do that nearly as much as I'd like, but that's a good night for me.

Your “hidden gem” NYC spot?

Bangkok Center Grocery is a little shop on Mosco St in Chinatown that sells excellent frozen durian pods - my favorite food.

What restaurant would you recommend?

SriPraPhai - excellent Thai food in Woodside

Anything else you want to share?

After going through cancer treatment several years ago, I was weak and my body was in pretty bad shape. I couldn't figure out a way to get back in shape until finding pickleball. It was just the right amount of intensity for me to stick with it and slowly start to gain strength again. I now feel stronger, less injury-prone, and have more endurance.