This is the 10992nd most frequent German word.
schläger
"Schläger" in English can mean "bat," "racket," or "club" (sports equipment) or "brawler" (a person who fights).
In this context, 'Schläger' refers to a sports instrument, specifically a tennis racket.
Er kaufte einen neuen Schläger, um Tennis zu spielen.
He bought a new racket to play tennis.
Here, 'Schläger' is used to describe a violent person or thug.
Der Schläger bedrohte ihn mit einem Stock.
The thug threatened him with a stick.
In this instance, 'Schläger' again means sports equipment like rackets, but in a general sense.