The Search for Marty Reisman

Описание: On December 30th, 2007 we made our way into New York City to find the greatest ping pong player of all time. After years of wondering where he is and searching to find him, the night had finally come. From retrieving landline numbers from the 411 operator, cold calling him, a background check done on me first, to cab rides with a map to his address, our dream came true.

Marty just had shoulder surgery but he agreed to meet up with us anyway. He told us, “Come alone and leave those crap bats at home!”

This was the first night we attempted to use hardbat and sandbat paddles, which eventually led to us converting forever to the sandbat paddle.

At the end of the night we walked away knowing what it feels like to have a one-on-one with Yoda or Mr. Miyagi. My life changed forever that night when a best friendship developed between us for the last five years of his life.

After watching this footage now almost 20 years later, there are some things that are hard to watch, like how terrible my style and technique was back then. No backhand at all and I was such an amateur player. Thanks to Marty that changed fast.
Also, I absolutely made no sense when I said “I’ll play with anyone, girls and young kids”.
I hope to god so, they’re the future of the sport. I meant to say I’ll play with any player but that didn’t transpire correctly. I guess I was too excited to even speak really.

The painting you see in the background is Marty performing with Dick Miles at Madison Square Garden in the 1950’s in front of 60,000 people.

Marty had the best style, flair, and charisma in table tennis and was the oldest person to win a racquet sport championship. It’s not a matter of opinion, it’s a matter of record.

If you want the real Marty Supreme, you’re looking at him right here, kid.

Starring: Marty Reisman, Danny Finkelstein, Doug Finkelstein, and Jimmy Pelletier
Filmed by: Doug Finkelstein and Danny Finkelstein
Edited by: Jimmy Pelletier
December 30, 2007

Please follow www.martyreisman.com for information about his last book that is being finished by his family.